The impact of somatic health problems on insomnia in middle age.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the impact on insomnia symptoms of somatic diseases, psychological factors, living habits and life events during the previous year.

BACKGROUND

Although health problems are a significant cause of insomnia, psychosocial factors are considered to be even more important. The relative impact of these and other factors on insomnia calls for further evaluation.

METHODS

A questionnaire study in a randomly selected middle-aged population in Finland (N=626, 264 men and 362 women).

RESULTS

In our study, 9.8% of men and 17.0% of women reported the occurrence of insomnia at least once a week during the previous 3 months. Insomniacs perceived their health as 'poor' or 'rather poor' more often than others and depression, allergic rhinitis, asthma, hypertension and heart symptoms such as arrhythmias were more common among them. Insomnia was not a side-effect of the treatment of these diseases; lack of medical treatment was associated with a higher incidence of insomnia. Work-related factors such as 'moving to a poorer job or to poorer working conditions' during the past year increased the possibility of insomnia, while moving house seemed to have a positive effect. When comparing these associations in logistic regression models, nervousness and tension were, however, the factors most significantly associated with insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial factors appeared to be more significantly associated with prolonged insomnia than somatic health problems.