The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of single interventions (stimulus control instructions, sleep restriction therapy) and multi-component intervention (stimulus control instructions and sleep restriction therapy) for chronic insomnia in community dwelling older adults. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: stimulus control instructions, sleep restriction therapy, multi-component treatment (stimulus control instructions and sleep restriction therapy), or measurement control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 55 years or older
• Sleep onset or maintenance insomnia of 45 minutes or more per night for at least 3 nights per week as ascertained through 14 days of sleep diaries
• Insomnia duration of at least 6 months
• Impaired daytime functioning as a consequence of insomnia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychopathology evidenced by the Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index T score >60
• Cognitive impairment as ascertained by the Mini-Mental State Exam score < 27
• Current psychotherapy or medical treatment for major depression or other psychopathology
• Current and regular use of over-the-counter medication or prescription medication for sleep (verified through urinalysis), or any medication affecting sleep
• Major physical or mental illness directly related to the onset and course of insomnia
• Substance abuse problem ascertained per interview
• Suspicion of sleep apnea as determined by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 11 or greater, a respiratory disturbance index of > 15 as established through in-home overnight use of the EdenTec Model 3711 Digital Recorder, and interview with a significant other, if available
• Restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, or circadian rhythm sleep disorders as determined through the participant interview and an interview with a significant other, if available.