[Concept for a behavior therapy treatment program in primary insomnia]

The need to find effective non-drug treatments for primary insomnia has lead to the application of a variety of psychological approaches. However, one difficulty in the treatment of insomnia is the variety of types, such as sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia, as well as individual differences in the specific antecedents and conditions maintaining poor sleep. There is no consensus regarding treatment selection. This paper documents the authors' work in formulating a group intervention approach for patients suffering from primary insomnia. A multiple treatment approach was used to provide flexibility. The group treatment consists of the following elements: (1) stimulus control, (2) restriction of time in bed, (3) general education regarding sleep and sleep hygiene, (4) progressive muscle relaxation and (5) cognitive strategies aimed at reducing stimulating mental activities. A description of the techniques used and the structure and process of the group model used is provided.