Chronic Insomnia in Adults: A Practical Management Webinar

Expert Webinar too Unpack Chronic Insomnia and its Management

A significant portion of the adult population grapples with insomnia,with estimates suggesting that between 35% and 38.6% experience symptoms, and a concerning 6.8% to 14.8% are predicted to suffer from chronic insomnia. Despite its prevalence, this condition remains frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated within primary care settings.

To address this critical healthcare gap, Dr. Lavan Baskaran, a leading expert in sleep science, will headline a live webinar titled “Understanding chronic insomnia and its management.” This informative session, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 19:00 to 19:45 BST, promises to offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Baskaran’s presentation will delve into the intricate science behind sleep and explore effective diagnostic approaches for chronic insomnia. A key focus will be on the latest advancements in treatment, specifically highlighting QUVIVIQ™ (daridorexant), including its unique mechanism of action, supporting clinical data, and proven efficacy and safety profiles.

This webinar is part of a broader series, with further sessions planned for autumn 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the registration website for more details on upcoming topics and how to participate.

QUVIVIQ™ (daridorexant) is a treatment option indicated for adult patients whose insomnia is characterized by symptoms persisting for at least three months and significantly impacting their daily functioning.

This promotional webinar series is proudly initiated and funded by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, and is exclusively intended for UK healthcare professionals.

What are the key distinctions between acute adn chronic insomnia, and why is recognizing this difference crucial for treatment?

Understanding Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is more than just occasional sleepless nights. It’s a persistent struggle wiht sleep, significantly impacting daytime functioning. Defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep at least three nights per week for three months or longer,it affects millions of adults. Unlike short-term insomnia,often triggered by stress,chronic insomnia often has underlying contributing factors.Recognizing the difference between acute insomnia and chronic sleep problems is the first step towards effective management.

Identifying the Root Causes

Pinpointing the cause of your chronic insomnia is crucial.It’s rarely a single issue, but a combination of factors. Common culprits include:

Psychological Factors: Anxiety,depression,and stress are major contributors. Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder frequently co-occur with insomnia.

Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, heart disease, respiratory problems (like sleep apnea), and neurological disorders can disrupt sleep.

Lifestyle Factors: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity all play a role.Even the timing of meals can impact sleep quality.

Environmental Factors: Noise, light, and temperature can interfere with sleep.

Medications: Certain medications have insomnia as a side effect.

Webinar Focus: Practical Management Strategies

Our upcoming webinar dives deep into evidence-based strategies for managing chronic insomnia.We’ll move beyond simply discussing the problem and focus on actionable steps you can implement today.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is considered the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia. It’s a structured program that addresses the thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate sleep difficulties. Key components include:

1. Stimulus Control Therapy: Re-associating your bed with sleep.This involves only going to bed when sleepy, and getting out of bed if you haven’t fallen asleep within 20 minutes.
2. Sleep Restriction Therapy: Initially reducing time in bed to consolidate sleep,then gradually increasing it as sleep efficiency improves.
3. Cognitive Therapy: Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about sleep. For example, addressing the fear of not being able to function without a full night’s sleep.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Practicing techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation to reduce arousal before bed.
5. Sleep Hygiene Education: Optimizing your sleep environment and daily habits (discussed further below).

Optimizing Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene is foundational to overcoming insomnia. These are simple, yet powerful, changes you can make:

Consistent Sleep Schedule: go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rythm).

create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down with a warm bath, reading (a physical book, not a screen!), or gentle stretching.

Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine.

Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens (phones, tablets, computers, TVs) for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices suppresses melatonin production.

Watch Caffeine and Alcohol intake: Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. While alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep later in the night.

Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve sleep, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.

Beyond the basics: Advanced Techniques

Light Therapy

for individuals with a delayed sleep phase (difficulty falling asleep at a reasonable hour), light therapy can be beneficial. Exposure to radiant light in the morning can help shift your circadian rhythm earlier.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness meditation can help reduce racing thoughts and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations specifically for sleep.

The Role of Nutrition in Sleep

Certain nutrients play a role in sleep regulation. Consider incorporating foods rich in:

Magnesium: Found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Tryptophan: Found in turkey, chicken, and eggs.

Melatonin: Found in tart cherries and walnuts.

Real-world Example: Sarah’s Journey

Sarah,a 45-year-old marketing executive,struggled with chronic insomnia for over a year. She initially tried over-the-counter sleep aids, but they provided only temporary relief. After participating in a CBT-I program, Sarah learned to identify and challenge her negative thoughts about sleep. She also implemented a strict sleep schedule and optimized her sleep environment. Within three months, Sarah was consistently sleeping