More than a third of patients with insomnia fear that their loved ones do not understand that this sleep disorder is a “real disease”.
- In France, no specific drug treatment for chronic insomnia is available.
- 61% of patients surveyed believe that their insomnia is not under control.
- 39% of participants were hesitant to tell a healthcare professional about their insomnia.
15 to 20%. This is the proportion of people affected by insomnia in France, according to theInserm. Although it is one of the most common pathologies encountered in general practice, this sleep disorder is still poorly understood. To better understand the effects of chronic insomnia on the daily lives of patients, Ipsos conducted a study for the Idorsia laboratory. The latter was carried out, between August 4 and August 17, 2022, with 150 adults, aged 35 to 65, suffering from moderate to severe insomnia.
For 41% of respondents, insomnia affects their work
The survey indicates that the consequences on the daily lives of patients are often underestimated. According to the results, the main impact reported by 71% of the participants is the lack of energy during the day. Then there is the decrease in performance at work. “41% of employed patients said their insomnia prevented them from performing their job to the maximum of their abilities”, can we read in the survey. This sleep disorder also has an impact on romantic, friendly or family relationships. Nearly half of respondents with children reveal an impact of their insomnia on their role as parents.
Insomnia: 74% of participants feel frustrated
According to the study, the dream of patients is to sleep through the night, without waking up at night, and to feel good when they wake up. Problem: half of those questioned feel that there is no psychological or medical treatment for this disease. Thus, almost three out of four patients are frustrated by this situation. Most participants have tried to deal with their insomnia on their own over the past six months, either by reducing their caffeine intake or by doing more physical activity.
Chronic insomnia, an underrecognized “real disease”
Ipsos indicates that 71% of respondents would like us to be more informed about this disease. 47% of adults surveyed admit to feeling embarrassed about their insomnia and 38% are afraid that those around them do not understand that it is a “real disease”. “Chronic insomnia is a disease in its own right, it is worrying to see that it is not yet recognized as such by the patients themselves and their loved ones. It is necessary to relieve all these patients who remain wandering therapeutic for sometimes years. To do this, we must intensify efforts to raise awareness of what is a real public health issue and for which patients have nothing to be ashamed of”, said Dr. Sylvie Royant-Parola, sleep specialist and president of the Morpheus Network.