Insomnia is one of the most common of sleep disorders, and when chronic it can negatively impact a person physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. It is one of the chief complaints at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, where we are staffed by sleep specialists and led by Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, the current Physician Director elected board president of the Maricopa County Medical Society. We proudly set the standard for sleep medicine in Arizona and have unprecedented staffing levels including a clinical psychologist focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Unfortunately, since insomnia is so common—and even worn as a badge of honor amongst workaholics—many people do not get the support they need. Additionally, many general physicians are not equipped with the information necessary to guide patients towards a correct insomnia diagnosis and treatment. The Alliance for Sleep aims to change that.
Recently, the Alliance revealed the results from the Wake Up American Survey, presenting the details at the SLEEP 2022 conference. The survey found that there is a need for improved dialogue, education, and new solutions for those suffering with chronic insomnia. The Alliance is comprised of a multidisciplinary committee that encourages awareness, education, and research on sleep/sleep disorders. Their newly developed “Roadmap for Change” offers a strategy for improving the outcome of patients with insomnia. They stress how seriously insomnia and disrupted sleep can affect a person’s quality of life and are committed to helping insomnia patients get the support they need.
Survey Results on Insomnia
The survey found that most people with sleep disorders felt “frustrated” about it (54 percent). Additionally, 52 percent felt “irritated,” 51 percent were “stressed,” and 59 percent said that their mood is “negatively impacted by the sleep disorder.” The survey was also sent to physicians and psychiatrists and found that 98 percent of primary care physicians and 97 percent of psychiatrists affirm that sleep is essential for good health. However, just 12 percent of these physicians and 24 percent of psychiatrists regularly inquire into a patient’s sleep history. This is of course problematic, but not surprising. There is a disparity between general health (physical and mental) and sleep health around the globe. Oftentimes, physicians are not educated on the latest news on sleep disorders and therefore do not refer patients to sleep specialists, leading to patients not getting the support they need.
The newly-released Roadmap for Change details areas that need focus, including education and awareness, management, dialogue, and resources. The goal is to improve support to patients living with insomnia and to physicians who might interact with these patients. Given the prevalence of insomnia, it is very likely that physicians meet with such patients and are in the unique position of being able to help. According to one of the makers of the Roadmap, the survey highlighted the current gap between patients and doctors in how they discuss sleep and insomnia … [the Roadmap takes] an important first step in identifying areas for growth, then subsequently developing potential tools and strategies to close this sleep health communication gap between provider and patient.
In June, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals U.S. and Osmosis Films hosted a screening of “The Quest for Sleep” for attendees of the conference. The film highlights patient experiences and provides insight into what it’s really like living with insomnia. It features sleep experts who discuss the science of sleep and offer an explanation of what happens to the body and brain with sleep deprivation. A panel discussion followed.
If you or your child has problems with insomnia, the sooner you connect with a sleep expert, the sooner you can get the help and sleep you need. There is no referral needed to book a consultation with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, and we work with patients as young as two years old. If you’re ready to get your insomnia under control, contact us today by calling the office or filling out the online form.
