This is one of the main conclusions of research led by Dr. Berta Bertrans Vilaró, a family doctor at CAP Navàs and researcher at IDIAPJGol-ICS, published in the journal Family Medicine and Community Health. The study indicates that the increase has been sustained, turning insomnia into a public health problem that requires strengthening prevention and treatment strategies within primary care.
Factors such as advanced age, being female, living in urban areas, polypharmacy, and the presence of mental health problems (anxiety, depression) are associated with a higher prevalence of the disorder. The results also indicate a growing impact on young people, closely linked to the rise in mental health disorders.
The work also highlights a significant increase in the use of medication to treat insomnia. While in 2018, 47.9% of those diagnosed received pharmacological treatment, by 2024 this figure had risen to 55.1%.
“"The study's results reinforce the role of primary care as a key area for early detection of sleep problems and the promotion of non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives."
The researcher emphasizes the importance of primary care in detecting sleep problems and promoting non-pharmacological alternatives, as dependence on medication can carry risks, especially for the elderly or those with other conditions. The study advocates for new healthcare strategies to facilitate access to cognitive-behavioral therapy, considered the most effective and safe option for chronic insomnia, and opens the door to future research with digital programs.
The findings were presented during the Nit de Recerca de Manresa (Night of Research in Manresa) on September 24th.
