Piloting an Internet-based Therapy for Insomnia in a Population of Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

Piloting an Internet-based Therapy for Insomnia in a Population of Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

The purposes of this study is to examine the feasibility of implementing an internet-based treatment for insomnia among veterans with substance use disorders, some with co-morbid serious mental illness, and to develop potential methods to support and encourage veterans while they self-administer this treatment. Our hypotheses are that the implementation of an internet-based therapy will be feasible and that a method of support can be devised, and tested in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inability to sleep within 30 minutes of going to bed or awakening during the night for 30 minutes for greater than or equal to 3 days per week
• Above Criteria occurring every week for greater than or equal to 3 months
• At least one symptom of daytime impairment: (reduced motivation, sleepiness, fatigue, lack of concentration, performance at home, work, social life, relationships impaired)
• Able to provide valid consent
• Willing to participate in an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported or provider diagnosed sleep apnea or related nighttime respiratory problem, restless legs syndrome or related nighttime movement disorder
• Acute psychiatric decompensation requiring inpatient admission or emergency department services within the last month (suicidality, homicidally, mania, psychotic decompensation)
• Current treatment or treatment within the last month for opiate addiction with methadone maintenance or buprenorphine.
• Has a conservator E. Shift work interfering with the establishment of regular sleep patterns F. Previous or ongoing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia