Pharmacological Management of Insomnia

Abstract

Insomnia has posed a management challenge for patients and clinicians for centuries. Historically, a variety of compounds have been utilized for the treatment of this common malady, with many of them associated with unwanted side effects. Over the past few decades, however, a variety of agents have emerged for treatment of insomnia with improved safety profiles. This chapter reviews these agents, with attention to their pharmacokinetic profile, mechanism of action, and other, clinically relevant characteristics. It also discusses a rational approach in the selection of each agent to optimize the treatment of insomnia. The chapter closes with a look toward the future of the pharmacological management of insomnia.