Insomnia

Insomnia is considered a chronic condition when present for at least three times per week for a period of least 3 months. This chapter focuses on chronic insomnia disorder. It is clear that alcohol is probably one of the most used substances for insomniacs to self-medicate. Polysomnography is not needed to diagnose insomnia disorder. However, it can be useful in selected patients to identify other sleep disorders if they are suspected to be related to the insomnia complaints. In addition, when sleep state misperception is suspected, polysomnography can be used to show the mismatch between self-perceived and recorded total sleep time. However, before converting to pharmacological therapy for insomnia complaints, it would be wise to consider referral to a sleep centre that has experienced cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) therapists available.