Understanding primary insomnia in older people.

An adequate quantity and quality of sleep are important to maintain health. Insomnia is common and can result in significant distress and impaired daytime functioning. This article seeks to raise nurses' awareness of the evidence surrounding insomnia and the guidance relating to its management. It focuses particularly on the role of the hormone melatonin and recent developments in the use of synthesised melatonin as a treatment for primary insomnia in people aged over 55.