It is now well established that CBT for chronic insomnia is as efficacious as hypnotic medication and is also likely to be better at maintaining improved sleep. Most studies have looked at the use of individual CBT; there have been only a few studies looking at CBT for insomnia given in a group format.

For nearly ten years the Bristol Insomnia Group has offered cognitive behavioural management and support for people with chronic insomnia.

The seven group sessions are led by up to three members of a team consisting of a doctor (sleep specialist), an occupational therapist and a research sleep scientist. Components of the group intervention include education about sleep science, information on insomnia medication, sleep hygiene, relaxation, and cognitive therapy. To assess efficacy participants complete sleep diaries, a quality of life scale (SF36) and the dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes scale (DBAS) pre and post group.

Sleep diaries (n=68) showed significant differences in Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL) and Sleep Quality (SQ). Approximately half of the participants had clinically significant improvements in their TST (increased by 30 minutes) and about a third had a clinically significant decrease (by 30 minutes) in their SOL. SF36 scores showed statistically improved scores in all nine domains, DBAS scores showed statistically significant decreased scores post group.

These results demonstrate promising sleep parameter and quality of life improvements after attendance at the group. CBT for insomnia is a clinically and cost effective approach for the treatment of chronic insomnia.