New research: Free, accessible digital therapy option set to revolutionise insomnia treatment in Australia

17 November 2024

New research published in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)'s Internal Medicine Journal (IMJ) reveals that an Australian digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) program yields significant improvements for patients.

The study found that the online program's results are comparable to those identified in studies assessing the impacts of in-person CBT-i treatments.

Lead researcher Dr Alexander Sweetman said that the digital program could make CBT-i more accessible and affordable for thousands of Australians suffering from insomnia.

“CBT-i is the most effective medical intervention to help manage insomnia. However, many patients face barriers to accessing it due to high costs and long waitlists.

“Over 1 in 10 Australians experience long-term insomnia at any given time. The demand for CBT-i is high and growing, however, there are not enough specialists trained to deliver CBT-i [1].

“Our research shows that this interactive digital CBT-i program yields sustained, significant improvements in insomnia, depression, fatigue, and unhelpful beliefs about sleep.

“This offers a significant potential breakthrough in how we as a country can offer support to people experiencing insomnia,” Dr Sweetman said.

The randomised controlled trial examined the effects of the digital CBT-i program [2], on 62 participants, all experiencing insomnia, and found that:

1)    72 per cent of participants saw a clinically meaningful six-point improvement in their insomnia severity score after 8 weeks

2)    About 40 per cent of participants experienced complete remission from insomnia after 8 weeks

3)    Treating insomnia also led to large improvements in depression and fatigue

4)    These improvements were maintained for up to 24 weeks

“Wide-scale adoption of the digital model can dramatically expand access to CBT-I and make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people across Australia.

“It can also help alleviate the pressure on our mental health system and ensure that it can continue to support all those in need,” Dr Sweetman said.

[1] HealthDirect – Insomnia

[2] Bedtime Window – Online CBT-i Program

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