Finalist
Waking Up Decision-Makers to the True Burden of Chronic Insomnia
by Ruder Finn for Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Summary of work
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in Europe. The long-term form of the condition – chronic insomnia disorder (CID) – can cause patients to suffer for years with an increased risk of comorbidities and impaired daytime functioning. Despite this, awareness about CID as an independent medical condition is low and research on its burden has been limited to date.
A research collaboration between RAND Europe, Idorsia and Ruder Finn facilitated the publication of the first-ever primary data on the socioeconomic burden of insomnia and CID. The published report, “The societal and economic burden of insomnia in adults: An international study,” revealed the staggering indirect and hidden costs of insomnia and CID across 16 countries, including annual productivity and wellbeing losses.
Data from this study formed the cornerstone of European-wide policy and communications campaigns, successfully reaching millions. By filling these knowledge gaps, we sparked discussions among decision makers, healthcare professionals and the public on the impact of insomnia and CID, calling for policy, clinical practice and further research interventions to address and mitigate the condition’s individual and societal burden.
Judges’ comments
Ruder Finn and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals have provided a valuable addition to the evidence-base around the burden of chronic insomnia. The situation analysis clearly highlighted the problem and the objectives were well-defined. This was a brilliant, in-depth report that provided the foundations for further research and treatment for insomnia.
