Effects of a partner-assisted insomnia intervention on couples' relationships: A qualitative study

Insomnia is typically considered an individual-level disorder, just as sleep is considered an individual-level behavior. However, data indicate sleep in one bedpartner influences sleep in the other, and poor sleep affects daytime functioning and interpersonal relationships. Bedpartners can also influence outcomes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI). Therefore, incorporating the bedpartner into CBTI may benefit both individuals and their relationships.

To explore experiences of insomnia clients and their bedpartners during a novel partner-assisted insomnia intervention.

An exploratory qualitative design was undertaken. Individuals 18+ years-old, with a DSM-5 diagnosis of Insomnia Disorder and a stable (≥ one month) bedpartner were eligible to participate. Data were collected by in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants and their partners following the completion of either individual CBTI (I-CBTI) or partner-assisted CBTI (PA-CBTI) (n = 30 couples (15 per treatment condition)). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Four themes were identified: (1) partners providing emotional support is paramount; (2) partner-assisted treatment enables couples to spend more time together; (3) partner help with treatment is significant; and (4) better understanding of the client by their partner through learning is important. The first two themes were only identified in the partner-assisted condition.

These data provide insight into how bedpartners can play a role in CBTI. They also suggest including bedpartners in treatment may have positive benefits for the intimate relationship, as well. This study helps advance our understanding of sleep, and the treatment of insomnia, as dyadic, social behaviors.