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Pathophysiology of Insomnia

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Clinical Handbook of Insomnia

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

Primary insomnia has been previously viewed first as a symptom of mental disorders and more recently as a type of behavior disorder. However, increasing evidence has shown that objective primary insomnia is associated with activation or pathology in whole body and brain metabolic systems, the cardiovascular system, and the endocrine system. Data have shown the appearance of pathophysiology prior to and leading to the development of changes in cognitive and mood function. Pathophysiology has also been shown in an animal model that suggested specific brain arousal areas impacted and treatment by modification of those brain arousal sites. Primary objective insomnia is a significant risk for important medical pathology including hypertension, diabetes, depression, and mortality. Recognition of primary insomnia as a significant medical risk means that treatment of insomnia should be directed toward measurement and reduction of this risk. Current data suggest that reduction in risk is best accomplished by increasing total sleep time above 7 h. However, research showing the success of these changes in diagnosis, treatment goals, and treatment outcomes requires significant research emphasis.

Supported by the Sleep-Wake Disorders Research Institute

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA

    Michael H. Bonnet Ph.D. & Donna L. Arand

  2. Sycamore Kettering Sleep Disorders Center, Miamisburg, OH, 45342, USA

    Michael H. Bonnet Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Michael H. Bonnet Ph.D.
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  2. Donna L. Arand
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Correspondence to Michael H. Bonnet Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Hrayr P. Attarian

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Bonnet, M.H., Arand, D.L. (2017). Pathophysiology of Insomnia. In: Attarian, H. (eds) Clinical Handbook of Insomnia. Current Clinical Neurology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41400-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41400-3_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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