Cognitive behavioural therapy to treat stress and insomnia: A randomized wait list-controlled trial of two online courses

Abstract

This randomized, wait list-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the cognitive behavioural therapy-based online e-learning course stressfit for better stress management and the cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia-based online course SweetDreams for coping with insomniac problems. The course modules offer state of the art psychoeducation and cognitive behavioural strategies concerning different aspects of stress, sleep and insomnia. They provide practice-oriented exercises for self-reflection, as well as a variety of evidence-based methods and measures to increase self-efficacy when dealing with stress or insomnia. Study participants were randomly assigned to the three test conditions stressfit, SweetDreams or a wait list. Participants filled in questionnaires on a wide range of scales relevant to stress and insomnia at three points in time (before, 4 weeks after, and 3 months after the treatment). Of the 588 participants in total, data from 347 participants (59%) were finally included in the data analyses. Data analyses showed that both courses yielded significant positive effects compared with the wait list condition 4 weeks and to some degree 3 months after completion in relation to insomnia symptoms, physical and psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction and general health (General Health Questionnaire), as well as on satisfaction with and effectiveness of coping with stress and sleep disorders. In conclusion, SweetDreams and stressfit proved to be feasible and effective online cognitive behavioural therapy (for insomnia) tools to reduce insomnia and stress symptoms on a broad variety of scales at the 4-weeks measurement point as well as at the 3-months follow-up.