In a new study from Flinders University, researchers found a short course of intensive behavioral therapy may treat insomnia better than a sleeping pill prescription.
They found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (or CBTi) improves insomnia, mental health and quality of life, and can be more successful than sleeping pills.
Insomnia is a common and debilitating disorder that is frequently linked to important consequences for physical and mental health and wellbeing.
It often occurs in tandem with another common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Along with daytime sleepiness and fatigue, these debilitating disorders can be treated in a number of ways to reduce long-term health issues including diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.
Most patients with insomnia managed in general practice are prescribed potentially addictive sedative-hypnotic medicines (e.g. benzodiazepines), and never access the CBTi that would treat their underlying condition.
In the study, the team reviewed a four-session insomnia treatment program that is tailored to the time limitations, knowledge, and capacity of general practice staff.
Family GPs could identify, assess and treat insomnia with a Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia program (BBTi).
The team found the Brief Behavioral Treatment for insomnia leads to long-term improvement of insomnia, mental health, and overall quality of life, and can help patients reduce their use of sedative-hypnotic medicines.
The team is currently running two trials to provide GPs with a suite of tools and treatment options to manage patients with insomnia.
Chronic insomnia is characterized by difficulties getting to sleep, staying asleep, and/or early morning awakenings from sleep—with daytime impairments including reduced work productivity, fatigue and concentration difficulties.
Common in approximately 15% of the general population, it can persist for many years unless treated—ideally with non-pharmaceutical interventions.
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The study is published in the Australian Journal of General Practice. One author of the study is Dr. Alex Sweetman.
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