CBT-I is an evidence-based, brief, structured online group programme for those having significant sleep difficulties. These may be difficulties with falling asleep, broken sleep or waking early. These difficulties will have been problematic for at least three nights per week for a minimum period of at least three months.
The group is facilitated by two Cognitive Behavioural Therapists trained in the CBT-I approach to treating insomnia.
How is this group structured?
The CBT-I techniques used are categorised into the following sections:
- Behavioural: Establish a new sleep pattern
- Cognitive: Dealing with thoughts
- Relaxation: Reducing arousal
- Lifestyle: Improving sleep hygiene
- Education: Improving sleep knowledge
Some topics covered include:
- An overview of CBT-I
- An overview of insomnia
- Behavioural considerations
- Sleep hygiene/lifestyle
- Implementing behaviour change
- The CBT-Insomnia model
- Sleep efficiency
- Stimulus control
- Sleep requirements
- Biological clock
- Circadian rhythm
- Types of sleep
- REM and Non-REM sleep
- Sleep cycles
The programme takes place through Microsoft Teams for one half-day per week, on Friday mornings, for eight weeks.
Who is this group for?
This group is suitable for individuals who:
- are an outpatient (or due to be discharged to the outpatient department within two weeks) attending the St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Dean Clinics or associate Dean Clinics
- are signed up to Your Portal
- are able to attend group programmes on MS Teams
- meet the DSM-5 criteria for insomnia, with the sleep problem occurring at least three nights per week and has been ongoing for at least three months
- have a complaint related to sleep quality or quantity associated with problems falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or early morning wakening
- have a sleep problem that causes distress and/or affects daily functioning
- do not have any pre-existing sleep disorder or requirement for physical health assessment for suspected sleep disorder (this should be done prior to attending CBT-I group)
- have a sleep problem which occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep
- are over age 18
- are not diagnosed with bipolar disorder, recent psychosis, or history of seizures
- have insomnia that is not caused by the effects of a substance and is not adequately explained by coexisting mental disorders or medical conditions
- are willing and motivated to engage in the group, making changes to their sleep routine and environment
- may attend even if they are currently utilising medication for sleep, this can be taken in combination with CBT-I
- have the cognitive capability to attend and engage in the group.
Referrals
This group is available to service users under the care of a consultant psychiatrist or associate consultant psychiatrist with SPMHS. GPs can also make a referral using the referral form here. Please note that the referrer retains clinical responsibility for the service user while they are attending a St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ programme.
If you are receiving care in SPMHS and are interested in taking part in the programme, please speak to your multidisciplinary team to assess programme suitability. All referrals will be assessed by a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
