Treating chronic insomnia in long-term care: a look at nonpharmacologic options.

It is important to establish a goal when a resident is diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Based on clinical studies, sleep hygiene should be the first step in managing insomnia. Long-term care facilities should identify environmental factors that may put residents at risk for insomnia. CBT has been studied and shown to be effetive in the management of chronic insomnia, especially in older adults at risk for complications associated with drug therapy. Various CBT options are available. The type of CBT used should be individualized depending upon the resident and resources available within the facility. Drug therapy can be added if CBT alone is ineffective. The next article in this series will discuss pharmacologic options to manage chronic insomnia.