National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Statement on the Approval of Lunesta (TM) (Eszopiclone)

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Food and Drug Administration's
 (FDA) approval today of Lunesta(TM) (eszopiclone) for the treatment of
 insomnia coincides with a growing medical and scientific interest in this
 condition.
     Symptoms of insomnia are extraordinarily common. More than one-half of
 America's adults, 58% or 126 million people, experience at least one symptom
 of insomnia a few nights a week, according to NSF's 2002 Sleep in America
 poll. Insomnia is more prevalent among older adults and women. It is a
 frequent problem for individuals with a variety of medical and psychiatric
 conditions, and in shift workers.
     Insomnia can be primary (not associated with another medical condition or
 disease), but is often associated with other health problems or disease
 including pain, depression, heart disease and sleep disorders such as
 obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.  Insomnia can also be
 caused by certain medications and lifestyle factors. If insomnia persists, a
 physician should be consulted to ensure that the sleep problem is not due to
 another disease and to ensure that it does not become conditioned or habitual.
 Chronic insomnia may be associated with impaired cognitive functions such as
 memory and concentration, a higher risk of mental health problems, safety and
 occupational concerns, and reduced quality of life.
     Insomnia treatment includes the recommendation to adhere to the principles
 of good sleep hygiene, including behavioral practices such as reducing
 caffeine in the diet and establishing standard bedtimes. Healthcare
 professionals may treat insomnia by behavioral and cognitive methods that
 promote relaxation, increase the amount of bedtime actually spent sleeping,
 and address maladaptive sleep expectations and attitudes like "I'll never fall
 asleep." Pharmacotherapy, including use of hypnotic medications that reduce
 time to fall asleep, increase total sleep time, reduce awakenings, and improve
 sleep quality may be prescribed.
     Based on published clinical reports, Lunesta(TM) is the first
 pharmacological treatment that has demonstrated safety and efficacy of long-
 term nightly use. According to Thomas Roth, PhD, a sleep researcher at the
 Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, "Lunesta(TM) helps patients fall asleep and stay
 asleep throughout the night."
     Comprehensive information about getting sufficient sleep, insomnia and
 sleep disorders tailored to different age groups, genders and lifestyles can
 be found at http://www.sleepfoundation.org.
 
     The National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization
 dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of
 sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting education, sleep-related research
 and advocacy.
 
      Contact:
      Marcia C. Stein
      (202) 347-3471 x205
      Mstein@sleepfoundation.org
 
 

SOURCE  National Sleep Foundation