Current and emerging therapies for insomnia

Abstract

Up to 10% of the US adult population will experience chronic insomnia, with women and elderly individuals at particularly high risk. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the core treatment for insomnia. When cognitive behavioral therapy is not enough, medications can help patients overcome the barriers and learned behaviors that prevent a good night's sleep. Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine GABA-A receptor agonists are the traditional medications used to treat insomnia. More recently, orexin inhibitors have been introduced that may have fewer adverse effects, including the development of dependence. To date, only suvorexant and lemborexant have been approved for the treatment of insomnia. However, several other agents are in later stages of development. This article will review the available pharmacotherapeutic options for treating insomnia.