A 2023 Update on Managing Insomnia in Primary Care: Insights From an Expert Consensus Group

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the status of management of insomnia disorder, describe gaps in current recognition and treatment, identify current guidance for optimal management, and develop up-to-date educational recommendations for primary care providers. Participants: Four insomnia experts representing primary care, psychiatry, and clinical research were selected based on clinical expertise, educational qualifications, and research experience. A patient with insomnia was also included. Consensus Process: The Insomnia Working Group met in March 2022 to review data on available therapies (including medications approved since publication of current guidelines) and share current best practices for evidence-based multimodal treatment of insomnia disorder. Conclusions: Insomnia is highly prevalent but underdiagnosed and undertreated. It is increasingly recognized as a distinct disorder, not merely a symptom arising secondary to another medical or psychiatric illness. The subtypes of sleep disturbance— reports of difficulty falling or staying asleep, insufficient sleep duration, early waking—and the presence of next-day impairment and common comorbid conditions require a targeted, individualized approach to therapy. Challenges exist in treating insomnia with commonly used on-and off-label drugs, including low-dose antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and benzodiazepine receptor agonists because of the risk of adverse effects, including impaired next-day functioning. The dual orexin receptor antagonists have a novel mechanistic target and offer an alternative pharmacologic choice. Optimal outcomes for insomnia require a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle and behavioral strategies to mitigate maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to sleep and selection of pharmacotherapy based on individual patient complaints and characteristics.