French Language Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Digital Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard, yet access is limited.
• Automated internet-delivered CBT-I (eCBT-I) offers a scalable solution, but a French-language version was unavailable.
• This study evaluated a novel French-speaking eCBT-I intervention for insomnia disorder.

Observation:

• Forty-six adults with insomnia disorder were randomized to eCBT-I or minimal psychoeducation therapy (mPT).
• The eCBT-I program comprised seven sessions over 12 weeks, delivering standard CBT-I components.
• Sleep diaries and clinical measures (Insomnia Severity Index, fatigue, anxiety, depression, quality of life) were assessed.

Findings:

• eCBT-I significantly reduced insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index) compared to mPT.
• Improvements in sleep diary parameters, depressive symptoms, fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life were observed in the eCBT-I group.
• A high percentage (91.7%) of eCBT-I participants on CNS-active drugs reduced or stopped their hypnotic medication.

Implications:

• The French-speaking eCBT-I program is feasible, acceptable, and effective for treating insomnia disorder.
• This intervention provides an accessible and effective alternative for French-speaking populations.
• The findings support the integration of this eCBT-I program into routine clinical practice in French-speaking countries.