WORLDWIDE CONTACT US ABOUT US PRODUCTS RESEARCH LICENSING NEWSROOM CAREERS INVESTORS Menu MENU INSOMNIA About Us Corporate Responsibility Reimbursement Support and Patient Assistance Programs Leadership Board of Directors Executive Committee Our Work How We Operate Code of Conduct Compliance Privacy Transparency and Privacy Internet Privacy Policy Cookie Privacy Commitment Cross Border Policy Employment Privacy & Data Protection Diversity Employee Diversity Supplier Diversity Views and Positions Access and Affordability Access to Investigational Medicines Innovation Quality and Safety Sales and Marketing Responsible Public Policy and Advocacy Our History Our People Featured Stories We often wish each other "good night" before heading off to bed. But for many, having a good night isn't possible, because something gets in the way. For many Americans, what gets in the way is insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling and/or staying asleep. If you have insomnia, you may: Lie awake for a long time before falling asleep Sleep for only brief, interrupted periods Stay awake for much of the night Wake up feeling as though you haven’t slept at all If you’re having problems sleeping, consult your doctor. A review of your clinical history and physical exam may be sufficient to make the diagnosis. Polysomnography -- an overnight sleep study -- can be helpful to rule out other types of sleep disorders (such as a breathing-related sleeping disorder). “In recent years, we have come to a better understanding of how the brain regulates sleep, and importantly, also the ways in which sleep can be disturbed,” said Darryle Schoepp, Ph.D., vice president and therapeutic area head, Neurosciences, Merck. “The science of sleep is fascinating, but what makes it meaningful is the hope that it will lead to solutions that result in better sleep." How much sleep do we need? The amount of sleep needed to maintain good health varies from person to person and changes throughout one's life. Roll over the boxes below to find out how much sleep the National Sleep Foundation recommends. Learn more about insomnia What causes insomnia, and what are its consequences? Merck and the National Sleep Foundation have collaborated to create an interactive educational website to answer these questions. It offers advice from sleep experts and information on insomnia symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn more at http://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/home. SHARE: GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP There are a number of things you can do to help manage your insomnia symptoms. Click to enlarge WHAT IS INSOMNIA? Click to enlarge THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE Click to enlarge Copyright © 2009-2016 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map