Insomnia epidemiology and demographics

The prevalence of insomnia disorder is 10,000-20,000 per 100,000 (10%-20%) in the primary care setting. There is no significant association between increased risk of death and insomnia. Insomnia is found to be higher in incidence among the population of age <35 years. There is no racial predilection to insomnia disorder. However, sleep disturbances more likely affect individuals of the black race.

Insomnia affects 10-50% of the population worldwide. The prevalence of insomnia disorder is 10,000-20,000 per 100,000 (10%-20%) in the primary care setting.^[1]According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in year 2007, approximately 64 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year.^[2] Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.^[3] The average American gets 7 hours of sleep, instead of the 8 to 10 hours recommended by doctors. Children, however, are recommended more than 8 hours.

There is no significant association between increased risk of death and insomnia.^[4]

Insomnia is found to be higher in incidence among the population of age <35 years. The females are more affected than males but the values are statistically insignificant. ^[5].^[6]

There is no racial predilection to insomnia disorder. However, sleep disturbances more likely affect individuals of the black race.^[7][8]