Speaker Series: Redefining insomnia management: Evidence-based strategies for primary care

This publication summarises a Goodfellow Unit webinar held in April 2026 by specialist sleep physician Dr David Cunnington on redefining insomnia management. The webinar, chaired by Professor Bruce Arroll, reported on contemporary approaches to insomnia management, with a strong focus on evidence based strategies for use in primary practice. Dr Cunnington provided expert insight into the role of pharmacotherapy in insomnia, including when medication is appropriate and how to use it safely and effectively. He introduced lemborexant [Dayvigo®] as a recent treatment option, outlining its mechanism, clinical positioning and key prescribing considerations. In New Zealand, lemborexant was approved in December 2024 for the treatment of adults with insomnia characterised by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance in accordance with the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. Lemborexant is not currently funded in New Zealand.