Feasibility of Providing Unguided Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia to Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Western Australia: A Non-Randomised Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Approximately 60% of adults over the age of 60 years report that they have trouble sleeping. Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), an evidence-based form of talk therapy, is considered an effective treatment option. This feasibility study examined the suitability of an online CBT-I programme for older adults aged 60 -80 years in Western Australia.Methods: Participants with and without insomnia completed the first out of four online CBT-I modules and provided feedback via an online questionnaire regarding programme acceptability, utility and accessibility.Results: High approval ratings (91.7%) suggest that study participants believed the online CBT-I programme to be acceptable, useful and accessible, independent of their insomnia status. Potential areas for improvement were noted, including making the online programme more customisable and interactive.Conclusions: Findings from this feasibility study indicate that respondents viewed the online CBT-I programme as appropriate for adults aged 60-80 years. The full-scale study will subsequently be conducted without any protocol alterations.