Cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for insomnia among shift workers: RCT in an occupational health setting

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Psychotherapy

Background:

• Insomnia is prevalent among shift workers, impacting their health and performance.
• Shift Work Disorder (SWD) may influence treatment outcomes for sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) versus sleep hygiene interventions in shift workers.
• To investigate the impact of Shift Work Disorder (SWD) features on intervention effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• 83 shift workers with insomnia disorder were randomized into group CBT-I, self-help CBT-I, or sleep hygiene groups.
• Outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up using questionnaires, sleep diaries, and actigraphy.

Main Results:

• All interventions improved insomnia severity, dysfunctional beliefs, burnout, restedness, and sleep time; no significant differences were found between interventions.
• Group-based CBT-I uniquely improved mood symptoms.
• Participants without SWD had more severe baseline insomnia and dysfunctional beliefs, and showed greater improvement than those with SWD.

Conclusions:

• CBT-I and sleep hygiene interventions yield comparable sleep improvements for shift workers.
• Group-based CBT-I offers additional benefits for mood symptoms.
• Individuals with more severe insomnia and without SWD experience greater benefits from these interventions.