Adults with insomnia face increased risk of disability

ONE in 20 Australian adults experience insomnia, exposing them to a higher burden of disability and poorer quality of life, independent of physical and psychiatric comorbidities.

Data from 8841 participants in the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey found those with insomnia had a 45% increased risk of disability, 94% greater risk of poor quality of life and a 45% greater likelihood of hospital admission.

The authors also found that insomnia was not significantly associated with the use of psychiatric medications.

However, older age, female gender, pain, chronic physical conditions and psychological distress were all independently associated with insomnia.