0924 Adolescent Perceptions of Insomnia Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 10% of adolescents meet diagnostic criteria for insomnia, which is associated with increased health problems, academic difficulties, and psychological morbidity. Empirical evidence supports cognitive-behavioral treatments for insomnia, yet research suggests adolescent insomnia is undertreated. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate adolescent perceptions about insomnia treatment seeking and strategies. Methods: Adolescents ages 13-18 years with self-reported insomnia symptoms completed an online survey assessing treatmentseeking behaviors and management strategies. English-speaking participants were recruited using targeted Facebook advertising. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results. Results: Of the 3,014 survey respondents, participants were predominantly female (77%) and white non-Hispanic (71%), with a mean age of 16±1.3 years. Most (87%) met DSM-V diagnostic criteria for insomnia, but only 29% reported seeking professional help for insomnia. Of these, participants reported waiting an average of 1-2 years after symptom onset to seek treatment. Participants most often sought help from a mental health professional (18%) or primary care provider (13%), while <2% saw a sleep specialist. Across adolescents, the most commonly endorsed strategies to manage insomnia symptoms were daytime caffeine consumption (48%), staying out of bed except when trying to sleep (38%), and daily exercise (28%). Nearly half of participants endorsed currently using medications to help with sleep, most commonly melatonin (18%) and antihistaminebased sleep aids (10%). Participants reported greatest preference to take medication (64%), meet individually with a sleep specialist (48%), or use a phone or tablet application (40%) to help with sleep. While 30% of participants felt that sleep researchers should prioritize increasing access to insomnia treatment, 20% encouraged developing new modes for treatment delivery (e.g., online). Conclusion: Adolescents with insomnia reported using behavioral and pharmacological strategies to help with sleep, with very few receiving treatment from a sleep specialist. Further research is needed to increase accessibility and acceptability of interventions for adolescent insomnia.