The psychological and physical effects of insomnia are often underappreciated, underdiagnosed and under treated. Misconceptions regarding sleep disorders by both patient and care providers alike create barriers to managing this chronic disease. Recent innovation in treatment options may make the Shakespearean prose more easily attained. What’s the Big Deal?

Many of our patients experience sleep related difficulties and nearly one in 7 will meet the diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder.  This estimate may be low as many patients self medicate believing that effective medical treatments are not available (more to come on this). Work absenteeism, poor academic performance, driving impairment, cognitive problems and social struggles represent real concerns. Insomnia Disorder IS a big deal and COVID did not help.  Sleep experts suggest that nearly 40% of the population experienced some form of “COVID-somnia”.

1. It’s temporary - Reframing insomnia as a chronic condition