Jennifer Matthews: About 40 million American suffer from insomnia.
Andrew Krystal: For me, the most clear and direct effects are people not feeling as good and functioning as well.
Jennifer Matthews: Insomniacs are more prone to depression, health problems and accidents, especially behind the wheel.
Terry Bagley: That's probably the most dangerous aspect of being an insomniac is trying to drive long periods of time when you haven't slept in four or five days.
Jennifer Matthews: Terry Bagley has suffered from insomnia for more than 20 years. Over-the-counter sleep aids didn't help. In a study at Duke University Sleep Lab, she took a new drug called eszopiclone. Most patients taking that drug said it helped them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Andrew Krystal: And, which is the most novel thing, along with all those things, there was a consistent improvement in their reports of daytime function.
Terry Bagley: I was much more energetic. I just felt better overall.
Jennifer Matthews: Researches say eszopiclone is less likely to be associated with dependence compared to many of the older drugs used for insomnia.
Andrew Krystal: There is clearly a pressure on clinicians to treat the problem, and they are struggling to find an alternative.
Jennifer Matthews: Studies shows eszopiclone is both safe and effective and doctor say, it maybe the alternative they have been searching for. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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