Abstract:
Insomnia affects a third of people and is a common cause of consultation in primary care History is the main diagnostic tool There are many causes of secondary insomnia, which should be ruled out and treated first Excessive daytime sleepiness should raise questions about obstructive sleep apnoea Primary insomnia is diagnosed after excluding other causes of insomnia. It can be treated effectively by sleep hygiene techniques, by restricting time in bed, or with behavioural interventions Sedatives should be used as a last resort when other approaches have failed because of risks of tolerance and adverse effects