A step-by-step model for a brief behavioural treatment for insomnia in Australian general practice

Abstract

Background Chronic insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating disorder managed in Australian general practice. The most effective and recommended first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioural therapy. This treatment has been translated to a condensed brief behavioural therapy for insomnia (BBTi), which is suitable for delivery in the general practice setting. There is evidence that BBTi improves insomnia, daytime functioning and quality of life, with effects persisting far beyond treatment cessation. BBTi appears to be a cost-effective treatment that is superior to sedative–hypnotic management. Objective The aim of this article is to present a step-by-step approach for Australian general practitioners to administer BBTi. Discussion BBTi is an effective treatment for insomnia that may be administered in the Australian general practice setting. General practitioners may choose to use existing funding support to administer BBTi to treat chronic insomnia according to guideline recommendations.