Introduction Primary Insomnia Is Defined as the Subjec- Tive Difficulty Initiating or Maintaining Sleep or of Nonrestorative

PRIMARY INSOMNIA IS DEFINED AS THE SUBJECTIVE DIFFICULTY INITIATING OR MAINTAINING SLEEP OR OF NONRESTORATIVE SLEEP, that lasts for at least one month, causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of function, and is not associated with another disorder.1 It can affect health, daytime performance, relationships, mood, and psychological wellbeing. Acute insomnia may occur in as many as 30 40% of individuals whereas 9 12% report inadequate sleep on a chronic basis.2 Chronic insomnia is a far-reaching and significant problem that affects many individuals in our society.2-4 Many practitioners prescribe sedatives, hypnotics, or other sleep-inducing agents as the treatment of choice for insomnia. Pharmacological treatments while often effective may also induce untoward effects such as tolerance or Abstract: Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint reported to physicians. Treatment has traditionally involved medication. Behavioral approaches have been available for decades, but lack of physician awareness and training, difficulty in obtaining reimbursements, and questions about efficacy have limited their use.