How effectively does CBT-I address the traumatic and functional causes of insomnia and sleep disturbance in Veterans?

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) continues to be recommended as the first-line treatment for an increasing number of Veterans seeking help for insomnia. Unfortunately, these recommendations are made on the basis of evidence from the general public, who do not experience the same predisposing, activating, and maintaining causes of insomnia as Veterans. This review considers whether CBT-I really addresses the causes of insomnia among Veterans, which can be labelled as functional (e.g., caffeine use) and traumatic (e.g., nightmares). Nine randomized controlled trials of CBT-I delivered to Veterans having trouble falling or staying asleep were reviewed. Evidence was not consistent enough to support the continued recommendation of CBT-I as a first-line treatment for insomnia among Veterans. On a wider level, the authors question whether psychological causes of a mental health problem are always, or should be, fully considered in the process of creating clinical guidelines for treatment.