Efficacy of a stepped care approach to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in cancer patients: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial

Study ObjectivesCognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for cancer-related insomnia, but its accessibility is very limited in routine care. A stepped care approach has been recommended as a cost-effective way to make CBT-I more widely accessible. However, no controlled study has yet been published about the efficacy of this approach. The goal of this noninferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to compare the short and long-term efficacy of a stepped care CBT-I (StepCBT-I) to a standard face-to-face CBT-I (StanCBT-I).MethodsA total of 177 cancer patients were randomized to: (1) StanCBT-I (6 face-to-face CBT-I sessions; n = 59) or (2) StepCBT-I (n = 118). In the StepCBT-I group, patients with less severe insomnia first received a web-based CBT-I (n = 65), while those with more severe insomnia received 6 face-to-face CBT-I sessions (n = 53). In both cases, patients could receive up to three booster sessions of CBT-I if they still had insomnia symptoms following this first step.ResultsResults indicated that the Step-CBT-I group showed an Insomnia Severity Index score reduction and a sleep efficiency (on a sleep diary) increase that was not significantly inferior to that of StanCBT-I at all post-treatment time points. Analyses of secondary outcomes indicated significant time effects (ps < .001) and no significant group-by-time interactions (ps from .07 to .91) on other sleep diary parameters, sleep medication use, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life scores.Conclusion(s)The efficacy of stepped care CBT-I is not inferior to that of a standard face-to-face intervention and is a valuable approach to making this treatment more widely accessible to cancer patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01864720 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01864720?term=Savard&draw=2&rank=6; Stepped Care Model for the Wider Dissemination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia Among Cancer Patients).     

Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in a Primary Care Setting

Objective/Background: Primary care is where many patients with insomnia first ask for professional help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended treatment for chronic insomnia. Although CBT-I’s efficacy is well established, its effectiveness in real-life primary care has seldom been investigated. We examined the effectiveness of CBT-I as routinely delivered in a Canadian primary care setting. Participants: The patients were 70 women and 11 men (mean age = 57.0 years, SD = 12.3); 83% had medical comorbidity. Methods: For the first 81 patients who took the six-session group program we compared initial and postprogram sleep diaries, sleep medication use, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and visits to the family physician. Results: Sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and ISI scores improved significantly (p < .001). Mood ratings also improved (p < .001). Use of sleep medication decreased (p < .001). Effect sizes were medium to large. Eighty-eight percent of patients no longer had clinically significant insomnia (ISI score ≤ 14) by the last session; 61% showed at least “moderate” improvement (ISI score reduction > 7). Wait-list data from 42 patients showed minimal sleep and mood improvements with the passage of time. Number of visits to the family physician six months postprogram decreased, although not significantly (p = .108). Conclusions: The CBT-I program was associated with improvement on all sleep and mood measures. Effect sizes were similar to, or larger than, those found in randomized controlled trials, demonstrating the real-world effectiveness of CBT-I in an interdisciplinary primary care setting.     

Posttraumatic sleep disturbances in veterans: A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and imagery rehearsal therapy

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with sleep disturbances including insomnia and nightmares. This study compared cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) with CBT-I combined with imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) for nightmares to evaluate if the combined treatment led to greater reductions in trauma-related sleep disturbances in Australian veterans.

Methods

Veterans with diagnosed PTSD, high insomnia symptom severity, and nightmares (N = 31) were randomized to eight group CBT-I sessions or eight group CBT-I + IRT sessions. Self-reported sleep, nightmare, and psychological measures (primary outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and objective actigraphy data were collected; the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk on treatment outcomes was also examined.

Results

No treatment condition effects were detected for the combined treatment compared to CBT-I alone, and no moderating effect of OSA risk was detected. On average, participants from both groups improved on various self-report measures over time (baseline to 3 months posttreatment). Despite the improvements, mean scores for sleep-specific measures remained indicative of poor sleep quality. There were also no significant differences between the groups on the actigraphy indices.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that there is potential to optimize both treatments for veterans with trauma-related sleep disturbances.     

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Sleep-Related Cognitions Among Patients With Stable Heart Failure

Objective/Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improves insomnia and fatigue among chronic heart failure (HF) patients, but the extent to which sleep-related cognitions explain CBT-I outcomes in these patients is unknown. We examined the effects of CBT-I on sleep-related cognitions, associations between changes in sleep-related cognitions and changes in sleep and symptoms after CBT-I, and the extent to which cognitions mediated the effects of CBT-I. Participants: Stable New York Heart Association Class II-III HF patients (total n = 51; n = 26 or 51.0% women; M age = 59.1 ± 15.1 years). Methods: HF patients were randomized in groups to group CBT-I (n = 30) or attention control (HF self-management education, n = 21) and completed actigraphy, the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS) and Sleep Disturbance Questionnaires (SDQ), and self-reported fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleepiness (baseline, immediately after treatment, six months). We used mixed-effects modeling, mediation analysis with a bootstrapping approach, and Pearson correlations. Results: There was a statistically significant group × mult time effect on DBAS. DBAS mediated the effects of CBT-I on insomnia severity and partially mediated CBT-I effects on fatigue. Improvements in dysfunctional cognitions were associated with improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, sleep latency and decreased fatigue, depression, and anxiety, with sustained effects at six months. Conclusions: Improvement in dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions is an important mechanism for CBT-I effects among HF patients who are especially vulnerable to poor sleep and high symptom burden.     

Mode of delivery of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial of digital and face-to-face therapy

Study ObjectivesDigital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (dCBT-I) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing insomnia severity in self-referred and community samples. It is unknown, however, how dCBT-I compares to individual face-to-face (FtF) CBT-I for individuals referred to clinical secondary services. We undertook a randomized controlled trial to test whether fully automated dCBT-I is non-inferior to individual FtF CBT-I in reducing insomnia severity.MethodsEligible participants were adult patients with a diagnosis of insomnia disorder recruited from a sleep clinic provided via public mental health services in Norway. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was the primary outcome measure. The non-inferiority margin was defined a priori as 2.0 points on the ISI at week 33.ResultsIndividuals were randomized to FtF CBT-I (n = 52) or dCBT-I (n = 49); mean baseline ISI scores were 18.4 (SD 3.7) and 19.4 (SD 4.1), respectively. At week 33, the mean scores were 8.9 (SD 6.0) and 12.3 (SD 6.9), respectively. There was a significant time effect for both interventions (p < 0.001); and the mean difference in ISI at week 33 was −2.8 (95% CI: −4.8 to −0.8; p = 0.007, Cohen’s d = 0.7), and −4.6 at week 9 (95% CI −6.6 to −2.7; p < 0.001), Cohen’s d = 1.2.ConclusionsAt the primary endpoint at week 33, the 95% CI of the estimated treatment difference included the non-inferiority margin and was wholly to the left of zero. Thus, this result is inconclusive regarding the possible inferiority or non-inferiority of dCBT-I over FtF CBT-I, but dCBT-I performed significantly worse than FtF CBT-I. At week 9, dCBT-I was inferior to FtF CBT-I as the 95% CI was fully outside the non-inferiority margin. These findings highlight the need for more clinical research to clarify the optimal application, dissemination, and implementation of dCBT-I. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02044263: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Delivered by a Therapist or on the Internet: a Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Trial.     

Patient Perceptions of Treatment Delivery Platforms for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Objective: Stepped care has given rise to the proliferation of abbreviated CBT-I programs and delivery formats. This includes interventions delivered by allied health professionals and those delivered electronically through the Internet. This article aims to explore patient perceptions between electronic and face-to-face (FTF) delivery platforms for (abbreviated) CBT-I. Participants: Patients with insomnia from specialist sleep or psychology clinics and those from the general community in Sydney, Australia. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with insomnia, guided by a schedule of questions and a choice task to explore patient perceptions of the different CBT-I treatment delivery platforms (e.g., perceived advantages and disadvantages or willingness to engage with either platform). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Framework Analysis. Participants also completed a battery of clinical mood and insomnia measures. Results: Fifty-one interviews were conducted with patients with insomnia from specialist sleep or psychology clinics (n = 22) and the general community (n = 29). Synthesis of the qualitative data set revealed three themes pertinent to the patients’ perspective toward electronic and FTF CBT-I delivery: Concepts of Efficacy, Concerns About Treatment, and Treatment on My Terms. Participants’ choice to engage with either platform was also informed by diverse factors including perceived efficacy of treatment, personal commitments, lifestyle, and beliefs about sleep and insomnia. Conclusion: Clarifying patient treatment priorities and allaying potential concerns about engaging with an electronic treatment platform represent important steps for disseminating eCBT-I into mainstream practice.     

The effectiveness of community day-long CBT-I workshops for participants with insomnia symptoms: a randomised controlled trial

Insomnia is a very common and disabling symptom. Whilst evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for people diagnosed with insomnia (CBT-I) is strong, few people seek help and not many services offer CBT-I. Less intensive adaptations of CBT-I have been shown to be valuable, and given the size of the problem and low rates of help-seeking, an accessible intervention with a large capacity is needed. Day-long CBT-I psycho-educational workshops (each for up to 30 people), to which members of the public with insomnia symptoms could self-refer, have been developed. This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these workshops. Baseline measures were taken from 151 participants, who were then randomised to experimental or waiting-list control groups. Scores of the experimental group and the control group were compared 3 months after baseline. Random effects models found a significant interaction between time and group, indicating differences between the control and experimental groups on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Post hoc analyses indicated that ISI scores decreased significantly in the experimental group, but not in the control group. Promising results were also found on corroborative sleep diary measures. Access to the workshops was good, with 50% of participants having never previously sought help for sleep difficulties from their GP. CBT-I workshops proved to be both accessible and effective in reducing insomnia symptoms in the medium term. They may represent a feasible brief intervention with the potential to address unmet treatment needs of adults complaining of insomnia symptoms.     

Clinician Perceptions Related to the Use of the CBT-I Coach Mobile App

Objective: Clinicians’ perceptions of CBT-I Coach, a patient-facing mobile app for cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), are critical to its adoption and integration into practice. Diffusion of innovations theory emphasizes the influence of perceptions, including the relative advantage to current practice, the compatibility to clinicians’ needs, the complexity, the innovation’s trialability, and observability. This study intended to evaluate the use and perceptions of CBT-I Coach among Veterans Affairs (VA)-trained CBT-I clinicians. Participants and Methods: Clinicians (N = 108) were surveyed about their use, feedback, and perceptions of CBT-I Coach a year after the app became available. Results: Overall perceptions of CBT-I Coach were favorable. Fifty percent of clinicians reported using CBT-I Coach, with 98% intending to continue use. The app was perceived to increase sleep diary completion and homework compliance. Clinicians viewed the app as providing accessibility to helpful tools and improving patient engagement. Of those not using the app, 83% endorsed intention to use it. Reasons for nonuse were lack of patient access to smart phones, not being aware of the app, not having time to learn it, and inability to directly access app data. Those who reported using CBT-I Coach had more favorable perceptions across all constructs (p < .01 – p < .001), except relative advantage, compared to nonusers. Users perceived it as less complex and more compatible with their practice than nonusers. Conclusions: Continued efforts are needed to increase adoption and enhance use of CBT-I Coach, as well as study if reported benefits can be evidenced more directly.     

Simplified sleep restriction for insomnia in general practice: a randomised controlled trial

Background

Insomnia is common in primary care. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is effective but requires more time than is available in the general practice consultation. Sleep restriction is one behavioural component of CBT-I.

Aim

To assess whether simplified sleep restriction (SSR) can be effective in improving sleep in primary insomnia.

Design and setting

Randomised controlled trial of patients in urban general practice settings in Auckland, New Zealand.

Method

Adults with persistent primary insomnia and no mental health or significant comorbidity were eligible. Intervention patients received SSR instructions and sleep hygiene advice. Control patients received sleep hygiene advice alone. Primary outcomes included change in sleep quality at 6 months measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and sleep efficiency (SE%). The proportion of participants reaching a predefined ‘insomnia remission’ treatment response was calculated.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were randomised and 94 (97%) completed the study. At 6-month follow-up, SSR participants had improved PSQI scores (6.2 versus 8.4, P<0.001), ISI scores (8.6 versus 11.1, P = 0.001), actigraphy-assessed SE% (difference 2.2%, P = 0.006), and reduced fatigue (difference −2.3 units, P = 0.04), compared with controls. SSR produced higher rates of treatment response (67% [28 out of 42] versus 41% [20 out of 49]); number needed to treat = 4 (95% CI = 2.0 to 19.0). Controlling for age, sex, and severity of insomnia, the adjusted odds ratio for insomnia remission was 2.7 (95% CI = 1.1 to 6.5). There were no significant differences in other outcomes or adverse effects.

Conclusion

SSR is an effective brief intervention in adults with primary insomnia and no comorbidities, suitable for use in general practice.     

Intraindividual variability in sleep schedule: effects of an internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia program and its relation with symptom remission

Study ObjectivesSleep schedule consistency is fundamental to cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), although there is limited evidence suggesting whether it predicts treatment response. This analysis tested whether: (1) an Internet-based CBT-I program affects intraindividual variability (IIV) in sleep schedule and (2) sleep schedule IIV predicts insomnia symptom remission.MethodsThis secondary analysis compares participants (N = 303) randomized to an Internet-based CBT-I program (SHUTi—Sleep Healthy Using the Internet) or Internet-based patient education (PE). Participants reported daily bedtimes and rising times on 10 online sleep diaries collected over 2 weeks at baseline and 9-week post-intervention assessment. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at post-assessment and 6-month follow-up; symptom remission was defined by ISI < 8. Mixed effects location scale modeling was used to examine the effect of SHUTi on bedtime and rising time IIV; a novel two-staged analysis examined the effect of bedtime and rising time IIV on insomnia symptom remission.ResultsAt post-assessment, SHUTi participants reported about 30% less bedtime and 32% less rising time variability compared to PE (ps < 0.03). Bedtime and rising time IIV was not independently associated with likelihood of insomnia symptom remission at the subsequent time point (ps > 0.18), nor did sleep schedule IIV moderate treatment response (ps > 0.12).ConclusionsFindings demonstrate that an Internet-delivered CBT-I program can effectively increase users’ sleep schedule consistency relative to an educational control. This consistency, however, was not related to treatment outcome when defined by insomnia symptom remission, suggesting that enforcing rigid sleep schedules for patients may not be necessary for treatment success.Clinical Trial Registration{"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00328250","term_id":"NCT00328250"}}NCT00328250     

Cognitive behavior therapy for chronic insomnia occurring within the context of medical and psychiatric disorders

Insomnia is a pervasive problem for many patients suffering from medical and psychiatric conditions. Even when the comorbid disorders are successfully treated, insomnia often fails to remit. In addition to compromising quality of life, untreated insomnia may also aggravate and complicate recovery from the comorbid disease. Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has an established efficacy for primary insomnia, but less is known about its efficacy for insomnia occurring in the context of medical and psychiatric conditions. The purpose of this article is to present a rationale for using CBT-I in medical and psychiatric disorders, review the extant outcome literature, highlight considerations for adapting CBT-I procedures in specific populations, and suggest directions for future research. Outcome studies were identified for CBT-I in mixed medical and psychiatric conditions, cancer, chronic pain, HIV, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcoholism. Other disorders discussed include: bipolar disorder, eating disorders, generalized anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. The available data demonstrate moderate to large treatment effects (Cohen's d, range=0.35-2.2) and indicate that CBT-I is a promising treatment for individuals with medical and psychiatric comorbidity. Although the literature reviewed here is limited by a paucity of randomized, controlled studies, the available data suggest that by improving sleep, CBT-I might also indirectly improve medical and psychological endpoints. This review underscores the need for future research to test the efficacy of adaptations of CBT-I to disease specific conditions and symptoms.     

Prospective Randomized Study of Patients with Insomnia and Mild Sleep Disordered Breathing

Background:

Patients with insomnia may present with mild and often unrecognized obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Objective:

To evaluate both subjective and objective outcomes of patients with complaints of insomnia and mild OSA who receive surgical treatment for OSA versus behavioral treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Methods:

Prospective study with crossover design of 30 patients with complaints of insomnia and mild OSA. Thirty subjects, matched for age and gender, were randomized with stratification to receive either CBT-I or surgical treatment of OSA as primary treatment. Patients were reassessed after completing the initial intervention and reassigned if agreeable to the alternative treatment option and assessed again on completion of both treatment arms. Outcome measures included clinical impression, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, and polysomnography (PSG) results.

Results:

Surgery resulted in greater improvements in total sleep time (TST), slow wave sleep and REM sleep duration, respiratory disturbance index, apnea-hypopnea index, minimum oxygen saturation, FSS, and ESS. CBT-I also improved TST and resulted in shorter sleep latency.

Conclusion:

Surgical intervention for the management of patients with complaints of insomnia and mild OSA demonstrated greater improvement in both subjective and objective outcome measures. Initial treatment of underlying OSA in patients with insomnia was more successful in improving insomnia than CBT-I alone. However CBT-I as initial treatment improved TST compared to baseline; following surgical intervention, it had the additional benefit of further increasing TST and helped to control sleep onset difficulties that may be related to conditioning due to unrecognized symptoms of mild OSA.

Citation:

Guilleminault C; Davis K; Huynh NT. Prospective randomized study of patients with insomnia and mild sleep disordered breathing. SLEEP 2008;31(11):1527–1533     

Efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or sleep disturbance in pregnant women: A systematic review ad meta-analysis

During pregnancy many women may experience negative emotions and sleep disturbances. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or sleep disturbance in pregnant women. From the earliest available publications to 15 April 2022, seven electronic literature databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database for Chinese Science and Technology Journal. Randomised controlled trials of CBT-I in pregnant women with insomnia or sleep disorders were included. The methodological bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Stata Statistical Software: Release 15 was used for sensitivity analysis and publication bias. We included eight randomised controlled trials involving 743 pregnant women. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, CBT-I significantly improved the Insomnia Severity Index (mean difference [MD] = −4.25, 95% confidence interval [CI, −6.32, −2.19], p < 0.001), The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (MD = −3.30, 95% CI [−4.81, −1.79], p < 0.001), sleep onset latency (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −1.25, 95% CI [−2.01, −0.50], p = 0.001), anxiety (SMD = −0.99, 95% CI [−1.32, −0.67], p < 0.001), and depression (SMD = −0.40, 95% CI [−0.72, −0.07], p = 0.02). No significant differences were found in total sleep time (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI [−0.54, 1.17], p = 0.47) and sleep efficiency (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI [−0.53, 2.13], p = 0.24). CBT-I significantly improved pregnant women's sleep quality, insomnia severity, depression, and anxiety. This meta-analysis provides evidence that CBT-I is valid for insomnia or sleep disturbances during pregnancy.     

Manifestations of Insomnia in Sleep Apnea: Implications for Screening and Treatment

The aims of this study were to examine the presence, type, and severity of insomnia complaints in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and to assess the utility of the Sleep Symptom Checklist (SSC) for case identification in primary care. Participants were 88 OSA patients, 57 cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) patients, and 14 healthy controls (Ctrl). Each completed a sleep questionnaire as well as the SSC, which includes insomnia, daytime functioning, psychological, and sleep disorder subscales. Results showed that OSA patients could be grouped according to 3 insomnia patterns: no insomnia (OSA), n = 21; insomnia (OSA-I), n = 30, with a subjective complaint and disrupted sleep; and noncomplaining poor sleepers (OSA-I-NC), n = 37. Comparisons among the OSA, CBT-I, and Ctrl groups demonstrate distinct profiles on the SSC subscales, indicating its potential utility for both case identification and treatment planning.     

Adapted Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are at risk for the development of insomnia, though it remains vastly undertreated. Limited research has evaluated cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) in AYACS. The present study piloted adapted CBT-I designed to improve treatment accessibility by delivering a three-session intervention in person and via videoconference. AYACS with insomnia (N = 12) enrolled in the study. Ten AYACS completed the intervention, with six in person and four via videoconference. Sleep variables improved immediately postintervention and were sustained at two-month follow-up. Within sample effect sizes of the adapted intervention for sleep, variables were large, and there were no noted differences on sleep outcomes between the in-person and videoconference participants. These pilot findings indicate that an adapted CBT-I intervention is feasible and promising in AYACS populations.     

Mediators of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia: A review of randomized controlled trials and secondary analysis studies

The examination of treatment mechanisms in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has considerable implications for research and clinical practice. Insomnia is a highly prevalent and distressing disorder, associated with many adverse outcomes. Although extensive work has focused on the cognitive-behavioral treatment of insomnia (CBT-I), few studies have directly examined the mechanisms of this intervention. CBT-I is a short-term, multi-component treatment that has demonstrated strong efficacy in treating insomnia. The purpose of the present study is: (a) to investigate if CBT-I works in accordance with its proposed mechanisms, and (b) to evaluate how the field is progressing in its understanding of these processes. This study comprehensively reviewed CBT-I RCTs for their inclusion of mediator variables. Secondary analysis studies were also surveyed for relevant mediator variables. Results demonstrated that 21 RCTs (39% of the total RCTs) and 11 secondary analysis studies examined at least one of the proposed mediators. Results of this review highlight that, although CBT-I appears to be targeting the hypothesized sleep processes, more research is needed to better understand whether CBT-I works in accordance with its theorized mechanisms. Inclusion of mediational analyses in future RCTs and secondary analysis studies would allow for further refinement of CBT-I and improved treatment outcomes.     

The Short-Term Efficacy of an Unguided Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial With a Six-Month Nonrandomized Follow-Up

Objective: Insomnia is a major health problem, and the need for effective and accessible treatment is urgent. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of an unguided Internet-based cognitive-behavioral treatment program for insomnia (CBTi), called SHUTi (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet). Methods: This study used a parallel arm randomized controlled trial in Norway. Participants were randomly allocated to the SHUTi condition or a Web-based patient education condition. Both groups were assessed before and after the nine-week intervention period (online sleep diaries and questionnaires). The SHUTi participants were reassessed in a six-month nonrandomized follow-up. Primary outcome measures were the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS). Results: A total of 181 participants were included in the study; SHUTi condition (n = 95), patient education condition (n = 86). Intention-to-treat mixed-model repeated-measures analysis revealed that the SHUTi group had better short-term outcomes compared with the patient education group on most sleep measures. The SHUTi group showed a significant decrease on the primary outcomes, the ISI (d_between = –1.77, 95% CI = –2.23, –1.31) and the BIS (d_between = –1.00, 95% CI = –1.32, –.68). Improvements were maintained among the completing SHUTi participants at the six-month nonrandomized follow-up. However, dropout attrition was high. Conclusion: Unguided Internet-based CBTi produced significant short-term improvements in sleep in patients with chronic insomnia. This highlights the benefits of making Internet-delivered CBTi programs available as a standard first-line treatment option in public health services. Nevertheless, the rate of dropout attrition (participants not completing post-assessment) in this trial limits the generalizability of the findings.     

Effect of trataka (yogic gazing) on insomnia severity and quality of sleep in people with insomnia

IntroductionInsomnia or sleeplessness is a common disorder associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. Trataka is one of the six cleansing techniques of yoga. Literature suggests that trataka could help in relieving insomnia. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of trataka on insomnia severity and quality of sleep (QoS) in people with insomnia.Materials and MethodsTwenty-nine participants with insomnia were recruited, who underwent trataka (45 minutes per day daily) for a period of 10 days. Insomnia severity and QoS were assessed before and after the intervention using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively.ResultsThis study showed a significant reduction in ISI score and PSQI global score and its associated subscale scores except sleep medication scores after the intervention.ConclusionTrataka may be considered as a treatment modality in reducing insomnia severity and in improving QoS in people with insomnia.     

Sleeping for Two: An Open-Pilot Study of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Pregnancy

Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common during pregnancy. This study investigated the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) delivered in pregnancy. Thirteen pregnant women with insomnia participated in five weekly CBT-I group sessions. All participants completed the study and provided baseline and follow-up data. Significant reductions in insomnia symptoms and increases in subjective sleep quality were observed over the course of the study. Diary and actigraphy assessments of sleep also changed, such that participants reported less time in bed (TIB), shorter sleep onset latency (SOL), increased sleep efficiency (SE), and increased subjective total sleep time (TST). Additionally, symptoms of depression, pregnancy-specific anxiety, and fatigue all decreased over the course of treatment. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large. CBT-I delivered during pregnancy was associated with significant improvements in sleep and mood. The next step in this area of inquiry is to better establish effectiveness via a randomized controlled trial.