Efficacy of a Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia: Increasing Access to Insomnia Treatment to Decrease Suicide Risk

Efficacy of a Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia: Increasing Access to Insomnia Treatment to Decrease Suicide Risk

Insomnia is major problem among Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) Veterans. Insomnia impacts physical and mental health functioning and is associated with reduced quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most promising treatments for insomnia; however, access to CBT-I is severely limited by a lack of trained clinicians within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Department of Defense (DoD). There is a critical need to offer innovative approaches to meet the demand and need for insomnia treatment. Leveraging technology to meet treatment demands is consistent with service delivery models based upon stepped care principles. This randomized controlled trial will determine whether a computerized, self-guided, web-based version of CBT-I is efficacious in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving functioning compared to a computerized program control.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 55
2. History of deployment in the Global War on Terror
3. Eligible to receive care through VA ECHCS
4. Reliable access to the Internet
5. English speaking
6. Able to provide informed consent
7. Current insomnia diagnosis as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM 5) criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently enrolled in/participating in other intervention research studies
2. Other untreated sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, periodic limb movement)
3. Currently receiving formal psychological treatment for insomnia (not including sleep medications)
4. Past 3 month change in schedule and/or dosage of medications that are designed to improve/impact sleep
5. History of Bipolar Disorder (with manic episodes), Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, or a Psychotic Disorder
6. Untreated seizures or seizure disorder
7. Physical illness that is active, unstable, degenerative, and/or progressive
8. Currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months
9. Irregular work schedule, shift work, and/or life changes (e.g., new baby) interfering with regular sleep patterns
10. Significant cognitive impairment, as determined by chart review and/or during screening, that would interfere with ability to engage in SHUTi
11. Current non-alcohol Substance Use Disorder, excluding Cannabis Use Disorder, as determined by chart review and/or self-report screen of drug use (> 1 time) in past 3 months
12. Current Alcohol Use Diagnosis, as determined by SCID 5 module, in the past 3 months