[Idiopathic insomnia].

Idiopathic insomnia (Childhood-onset insomnia) which belongs to Intrinsic Sleep Disorders in ICSD, has some dysfunction in sleep-wake center in brain. Sleep-wake center consists of two parts, one is sleep center which is present in the anterior parts of hypothalamus, and the other is wake center which is present in the ascending reticular activating system including posterior parts of hypothalamus. Idiopathic insomnia patients are said to have hyperactivity in wake center or hypoactivity in sleep center. And these patients have sleep disturbances such as inability to fall asleep, frequent awakenings and early morning wakefulness. Most patients have sleep disturbances from their childhood and after the onset of sleep disturbances, these disturbances show no improvement during all their life. Concerning about the drug treatment, probably benzodiazepin or barbiturate are effective. Because of long-term use of drugs, drug dependence and tolerance are often observed in patients. So it is necessary to take special care when choosing type or dosage level of drugs.