Internet-based intervention may improve insomnia

Researchers from the University of Virginia Health System (UVHS), in Charlottesville, analysed data from an Internet intervention, based on cognitive behavioural therapy from a cohort of 44 participating adults suffering of insomnia.

The study, published in the July issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, reported the group (22 people) assigned with behavioural therapy from online techniques significantly reduced the severity of insomnia.

All the participants, with an average of about 45, had suffered sleep disorders for 10 or more years and were asked to fill in daily diaries, both before and after the therapy.

The cohort receiving the Internet intervention, SHUTi, for nine weeks dropped severity on a "seven-item Insomna Severity Index", rating symptoms from 0 to 28.

Therapy users dropped form 5.73 to 6.59 and were maintained for six months after the trial, according to the research.

However, scores did not change for the control group.

The web-based SHUTi program is described as a highly interactive, using text, graphics, animations, vignettes, quizzes and games to present behavioural, educational and cognitive techniques to improve sleep patterns.

Patients were also told not to read or watch TV in bed, avoid napping and negative thoughts.