Playing Cognitive Games For Older Adults With Insomnia

Effects of Computerized Cognitive Brain Training on Sleep, Arousal, and Daytime Functioning in Older Adults With Insomnia

The purpose of this research is to look at the effects of computerized cognitive training on sleep, mental abilities (cognition), and other aspects of daytime functioning, such as mood, and arousal

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60+ yrs of age.
• No neurological or psychiatric illness, dementia, or loss of consciousness > 5 mins.
• Nongamers (i.e. <1 hour of video/cognitive training games per week over last 2 years)
• Proficient in English (reading and writing).
• Meet clinical diagnosis for Insomnia.

Insomnia:

• Insomnia complaints for 6+ months.
• Complaints occur despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep.
• Consist of 1+ of the following: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early
• Daytime dysfunction (mood, cognitive, social, occupational) due to insomnia.

Exclusion Criteria:.

• Unable to provide informed consent.
• Unable to undergo randomization.
• Cognitive impairments (i.e. mild cognitive impairment, dementia)
• Other sleep disorder (i.e., sleep apnea, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder)
• Severe untreated psychiatric comorbidity that renders randomization unethical
• Using psychotropic or other medications (e.g., beta-blockers) that alter sleep
• Uncorrected visual/auditory impairments
• Participation in nonpharmacological treatment for sleep/fatigue/mood outside the current study.