Insomnia: A Risk Factor For Physical and Mental Health Illnesses

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityInsomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints in adulthood. It is a major health problem and interferes with daily activities including cognition, driving, poor job performance, and productivity. Insomnia is also a risk factor for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and illness of the immunological system. Insomnia is under reported by patients and under treated by providers. Clinicians lack expertise in diagnosing and treating this disorder. Insomnia requires an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Diagnostic and treatment options include polysomnography, artigraphy, behavioral treatment, relaxation therapy, stimulus control therapy, and pharmacological interventions. Insomnia is often multidimensional and requires a thorough evaluation. This manuscript will explain the clinical presentation of insomnia and how nurse practitioners can gain needed assessment skills to adequately assess, diagnosis, and prescribe appropriate interventions and treatments for patients who suffer with insomnia