Abstract
Sleep is a vital part of normal health and wellness for everyone. It is also an important factor in recovering from the physiological and emotional stress of any hospitalization or illness. Insomnia-the lack of adequate period of sleep-has a profound impact on society and public health in many ways. Chronic insomnia contributes to injury and illness and may have adverse effects on cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, concentration, the ability to handle stress, and productivity. Nurses who are knowledgeable about the possible causes of insomnia, the different types of insomnia, and various therapeutic interventions will be able to identify those who have insomnia or are at risk of insomnia and will be able to counsel these patients about healthy sleep habits and the safe use of pharmacotherapeutic therapies used to treat insomnia.