Insomnia is a growing problem among Shanghai residents but many people who suffer from it take sleeping pills without a doctor's advice.
According to a survey by Shanghai Herbal Insomnia Medical Center, about 20 percent of local adults suffer from insomnia.
Outpatients in the center have increased 25 percent in the last year.
Doctors believe that besides physical causes, insomnia is the result of stress from work and family problems.
The incidence rate is highest among people between 40 and 50 years of age, accounting for 26 percent.
However, many patients do not seek medical help until they find taking sleeping pills ineffective.
Doctors warn the sleeping pills are not the only solution.
Since emotional problems such as anxiety and depression can lead to insomnia, doctors stress that sufferers should seek medical help for those conditions rather than rely on pills.
(Shanghai Star 03/01/2001)
