Self-help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as Guided Self-help for Insomnia - a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a self-help book for insomnia, with or without therapist support, can improve sleep and alleviate insomnia symptoms in individuals suffering from insomnia, also for persons presenting with different kinds of co-morbid problems.

CBT has previously been identified as an effective treatment for insomnia. However, there is a lack of trained CBT-therapists, and self-help is beginning to prove useful for many areas of psychological distress. Earlier studies of different kinds of self-help (e.g. computer based and bibliotherapeutic) suggest that many patients do indeed benefit from self-help treatments for insomnia, but there is a need for independent replications. Also, most previous studies have had very strict inclusion criteria, such that for instance only individuals with primary insomnia and no co-morbid problems have been included. A general question in self-help is whether patients need therapist support to benefit from treatment, or if a book is enough to alleviate symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 and above
• Diagnosis of Insomnia (Research Diagnostic Criteria)
• Access to computer
• Ability to read and write Swedish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe psychopathology (e.g. bipolar disorder, suicidality)
• Shift work