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 health sleep related behaviours and routine
- 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.
Group time is 9:30am–1.00pm each week, with a 30-minute break in the middle. Participants are required to attend at least 80% of sessions.
Groups run on either Wednesday or Friday. You can discuss your preferred day at assessment, as dates may change.
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 (I.T. support available in setting up and engaging with technology)
- 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
Additional referral criteria
Participants should also:
- be available to commit to attending eight weekly sessions from 9:30am–1.00pm
- be willing to make changes in their sleep routine and environment
- have access to a tablet or laptop to enable attendance via MS Teams
Benefits for service users
- Improved sleep quality and duration
- Reduced reliance on sleep aids
- Sustainable, long-term sleep improvement
- Development of the ability to identify and replace unhelpful behaviours and thoughts that contribute to insomnia
- Understanding of the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors in insomnia
- Learning relaxation techniques
Referrals
This group is available to service users under the care of a consultant psychiatrist or associate consultant psychiatrist with SPMHS.
GPs can also directly refer patients who are not under the care of a consultant or associate consultant using the referral form here. The referrer retains clinical responsibility for the service user while they are attending a St Patrick’s Mental Health Services programme.
Referrals can be made by GPs or consultant psychiatrists.
If using private health insurance, service users will need cover for 8.5 days of outpatient groups at SPMHS. Anyone unsure of their level of cover should check with their insurer.
