Insomnia in perspective : diagnosis, treatment and education

Insomnia is characterized by difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, poor sleep quality, or a combination of these symptoms. Tiredness and problems with mood, concentration and memory are the most common daytime complaints associated with insomnia. The consequences of untreated chronic insomnia may be severe (e.g., more psychiatric complaints, severe traffic and work accidents, and higher absenteeism). One-third of the adult Dutch population suffers from insomnia now and then and no less than 10% experiences chronic insomnia. The severity of the insomnia varies from mild to severe. This gradation is also seen in treatment, which varies from relatively simple to complex. Therefore, treatment should be given on multiple levels ranging from education to the public to prevent chronic sleep complaints to individual treatment. This thesis aims at the diagnosis, treatment and education of insomnia.