Novel psychotherapies for insomnia

Abstract

Insomnia disorder, characterized by a complaint of reduced sleep quality or quantity and associated daytime impairment, is highly prevalent and associated with reduced quality of life and productivity. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the current first-line treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. Here, we outline our perspective for the future optimization of psychotherapeutic treatment for insomnia. We identified the following areas as the most promising: first, optimizing efficacy of the CBT-I protocol; second, developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for non-responders and partial responders; and third, advancing widespread implementation of psychotherapy for insomnia. More specifically, we outline how the current CBT-I protocol could be optimized through an improved understanding of treatment mechanisms, and discuss the potential of adaptive treatment strategies. Another promising approach for improving the current CBT-I protocol is using add-ons such as physical exercise or circadian-based interventions. Both may be promising in certain subgroups of patients with insomnia. In terms of non-response, we identify acceptance and commitment therapy for insomnia (ACT-I) as a promising treatment for non-responders to CBT-I. ACT-I, however, still needs to be evaluated in actual non-responders to CBT-I. Implementing CBT-I in clinical practice is still one of the major challenges at hand. We outline how brief treatment, targeted treatment for challenging patient groups, and digital treatment may help improve implementation. For a future research agenda, we suggest that further research into treatment mechanisms, randomized–controlled trials in non-responders to CBT-I, and a focus on implementation science have a potential to bring the field forward.