We showed previously that 31% of Swiss population (N=1002)suffers from insomnia(DSM-IV criteria) (Delini-Stula et al. 2007). We report here the results of the analysis of the causes, day-time consequences and treatments.

An 80 items questionnaire was addressed (telephone interview)to a random sample of subjects of both sexes. The recorded responses were either transformed into numerical and categorical values or expressed in percentages of observations. The results were descriptively analyzed.

The main causes of insomnia were classified into 6 categories: personal-, professional and financial problems, diseases, alcoholism and environmental factors. The most frequent were personal (32%) and professional (34%) problems. Only 1% of subjects reported financial worries as cause of insomnia. The most prominent day-time consequences were: fatigue (72%, p<0.003) reduced vitality (46%, p<0.002), irritability (54%, p<0.001) depressed mood (44%, p<002)and impaired cognition (44-51 %, p<0.001). 70% of insomnia subjects reported never to use any treatment. Only 40% of severe insomniacs used prescribed drugs. Also, of the whole population only 44% believed in the efficacy of the hypnotics, but 56% though that herbal products are effective.

In view of marked day-time consequences and obviously under-treatment, insomnia (defined by DSM-IV criteria) in Switzerland is a problem that needs more attention.