Insomnia as a Health Risk Factor

Abstract

This article reviewed insomnia epidemiological research, identifying areas where insomnia was a risk factor and isolating areas deserving of further investigation. Insomnia was consistently predictive of depression, anxiety disorders, other psychological disorders, alcohol abuse or dependence, drug abuse or dependence, and suicide, indicating insomnia is a risk factor for these difficulties. Additionally, insomnia was related to decreased immune functioning. The data were inconclusive regarding insomnia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, but sleep medication use was predictive of mortality. These results must be tempered with the knowledge that significant weaknesses existed in the studies reviewed. The main weaknesses were inadequate definition of insomnia and inadequate control for alternative explanations. Despite these limitations, this review suggests that insomnia is a risk factor for poor mental and physical health.

Insomnia: Prevalence, Impact, Pathogenesis, Differential Diagnosis, and Evaluation

“…In a review of epidemiological studies, Taylor et al (Taylor et al, 2003) found that insomnia predicted depression, anxiety, substance abuse or dependence, and suicide (Taylor et al, 2003). In fact, the correlation between insomnia and later development of depression within 1-3 years is particularly strong (Riemann & Voderholzer, 2003).…”

Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in Patients with Idiopathic Insomnia

“…This debilitating medical condition affects negatively the patients' daily performance. Among many other consequences, the patient suffers of cognitive, such as attention and memory, and emotional alterations [2]. They also become much more vulnerable to illnesses [3].…”

Cardiac Vagal Control and Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Sleep Quality

“…In the following, we will consider sleep quality as an important factor that may help explain the inconsistent links between CVC and depressive symptoms. Reduced sleep quality has emerged as an important risk factor in a variety of physical and mental health conditions including depression (see Imeri & Opp, 2009; Taylor, Lichstein, & Durrence, 2003), whereas high sleep quality may well have the potential to protect against elevated depressive symptoms in individuals with lower CVC.…”