A new study has found that an online therapy program developed in Montreal significantly improves sleep quality in older adults, offering a promising and accessible treatment for insomnia. The research, conducted at the Research Center of the Montreal University Institute of Geriatrics (CRIUGM), highlights the effectiveness of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) tailored for seniors.
Study Details and Findings
Mathilde Reyt, a researcher specializing in insomnia, led the study involving participants aged 65 and older who suffered from chronic insomnia. The online therapy program included modules on sleep hygiene, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring, delivered over six weeks. Results showed that 70% of participants experienced clinically significant improvements in sleep efficiency and reduced time to fall asleep, compared to a control group. The benefits were maintained at a three-month follow-up.
Accessibility and Scalability
Dr. Reyt emphasized that the online format addresses barriers to treatment, such as mobility issues and lack of access to specialized sleep clinics. 'This therapy can be delivered at home, making it ideal for seniors who may have difficulty traveling,' she said. The program is now being considered for wider implementation across Canada.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and has garnered attention from geriatric care providers. Researchers are now exploring ways to integrate the therapy into primary care settings.
