Sleep and Productivity Benefits of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Conducted in the Workplace Environment

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Jul;58(7):683-9. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000778.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluating digital cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) for insomnia in a workplace environment.

Methods: Within a randomized controlled trial in a Fortune 500 company, we randomized 270 self-identified poor sleepers [180 M/90 F: mean age 33.6 years (23 to 56 years)] to dCBT (n = 135) or waiting list (WL, n = 135). dCBT comprised six online sessions delivered by an animated therapist. Major assessments were at baseline and posttreatment.

Results: Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) scores were significantly higher for the dCBT group [interaction term: F (1,485) = 15.63, P < 0.0001], representing Cohen's d of 1.10 following dCBT (d = 0.34 for WL). On the Work Productivity and Impairment questionnaire, "presenteeism" demonstrated significant improvements following dCBT [F(1,485) = 10.99, P = 0.001: d = 0.64 for dCBT, d = 0.09 for WL]. Effects for "abseenteeism" failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.101).

Conclusions: dCBT is effective in improving sleep and work-based productivity in adults with insomnia.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Applications
  • Occupational Health Services*
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Workplace*
  • Young Adult