Researchers tested a group of men and women who were suffering from a form of insomnia causing at least 60 minutes of wake time after they fall asleep, not attributed to psychiatric, medical, or substance abuse problems. This translates into approximately 14 million Americans, most above the age of 40. According to Jack D. Edinger, Ph.D. of the Durham VA Medical Center, about one-third of the adult population is bothered by insomnia at least occasionally. A disproportionate number of insomnia treatment studies have focused on difficulty getting to sleep. People suffering from PPI are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Patients commonly experience a full return of their insomnia once they stop taking the drugs.
However, CBT appears to be a promising, more universally effective treatment with a better long-term outcome. The cognitive end of CBT tries to correct the misconceptions people have about their own sleep needs and habits. Most of the common misperceptions are addressed right away through a prepared information packet provided to patients. Any unique cognitive problems are then addressed individually. The behavioral aspect of CBT addresses disruptive habits that can aggravate or even perpetuate PPI, such as failing to relax mentally at bedtime, permitting bedtime distractions such as reading or television, and even spending too much time in bed.