A recent study led by Dr. By Alexander Sweetman, a researcher at Flinders University, it suggests a promising alternative to traditional sleeping pills for the treatment of insomnia.
The study highlights a worrying shortage of psychologists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi), limiting access to effective treatment options.
Currently, many insomniacs in Australia are prescribed sleeping pills rather than being referred to psychologists for CBTi.
This self-administered digital CBTi program has been tested and has shown promising results in improving sleep quality, daytime functioning, and overall mental health.
Dr. Sweetman highlights the effectiveness of the Bedtime Window program and suggests that it could offer a much-needed alternative to traditional insomnia medications.
Dr. Alexander Sweetman, a sleep disorders researcher at Flinders University, sheds light on the significant overlap between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia, with approximately 30-40% of individuals suffering from both conditions. Despite this, many cases of OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Recent research also suggests a surprising 50-70% increased risk of mortality within 10-20 years in patients with COMISA.
Dr. Recognizing the urgent need for an effective approach to managing COMISA, Sweetman and colleagues developed a self-directed Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBTi) program for insomnia.
This program, suitable for individuals suffering from insomnia alone, or COMISA, demonstrated significant and sustained improvement in insomnia symptoms and related mental health problems during an 18-month study involving 62 participants.
It also includes sleepiness assessment features and provides personalized suggestions to improve sleep without worsening daytime sleepiness.
Dr. Sweetman emphasizes the importance of further research to validate the effectiveness, safety and acceptance of this digital insomnia therapy, particularly in individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea, before it becomes widely available in health care systems.
While the study shows promise as a drug-free treatment option for sleep disorders, it highlights the need for more research to ensure the safety and efficacy of self-directed digital therapy, particularly in individuals with co-occurring sleep apnea.
If successful, this approach could offer a valuable addition to health care systems for addressing sleep-related problems.
