Cognitive behavioural therapy for older adults (aged 60+) with sleep problems

Montgomery P, Dennis JA

Published Online:

January 21, 2009

Sleep problems become more common with age, affect quality of life for individuals and their families, and can increase healthcare costs. Older people are often prescribed a range of drugs for their health problems (including with sleep) many of which have side effects. This review considered the effectiveness of cognitive and behavioural treatments (CBT). These aim to improve sleep by changing poor sleep habits and by challenging negative thoughts, attitudes and beliefs about sleep. Reviewers report that there is only limited evidence available, and what data there is suggests a mild effect of CBT.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

The prevalence of sleep problems in adulthood increases with age. While not all sleep changes are pathological in later life, severe disturbances may lead to depression, cognitive impairments, deterioration of quality of life, significant stresses for carers and increased healthcare costs. The most common treatment for sleep disorders (particularly insomnia) is pharmacological. The efficacy of non-drug interventions has been suggested to be slower than pharmacological methods, but with no risk of drug-related tolerance or dependency. Cognitive and behavioural treatments for sleep problems aim to improve sleep by changing poor sleep habits, promoting better sleep hygiene practices and by challenging negative thoughts, attitudes and beliefs about sleep.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural interventions in improving sleep quality, duration and efficiency amongst older adults (aged 60 and above).

Search strategy:

The following databases were searched: The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2002); MEDLINE (1966 - January 2002); EMBASE (1980 - January 2002), CINAHL (1982 - January 2002); PsycINFO (1887 to 2002); National Research Register (NRR) (2002, Issue 1_. Bibliographies of existing reviews in the area, as well as of all trial reports obtained, were searched. Experts in the field were consulted.

Selection criteria:

Randomised controlled trials of cognitive behavioural treatments for primary insomnia where 80% or more of participants were over 60. Participants must have been screened to exclude those with dementia and/or depression.

Data collection and analysis:

Abstracts of studies identified in searches of electronic databases were read and assessed to determine whether they might meet the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed separately depending on whether results had been obtained subjectively or objectively.

Main results:

Six trials, including 282 participants with insomnia, examined the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural treatments (CBT) for sleep problems in this population. The final total of participants included in the meta-analysis was 224. The data suggest a mild effect of CBT for sleep problems in older adults, best demonstrated for sleep maintenance insomnia.

Authors' conclusions:

When the possible side-effects of standard treatment (hypnotics) are considered, there is an argument to be made for clinical use of cognitive-behavioural treatments. Research is needed to establish the likely predictors of success with such treatments. As it may well be the case that the treatment efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy itself is not durable, the provision of "top-up" ("refresher" sessions of CBT training to improve durability of effect are worthy of investigation.

This record should be cited as:

Montgomery P, Dennis JA. Cognitive behavioural interventions for sleep problems in adults aged 60+. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003161. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003161

Assessed as up to date:

February 3, 2002

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Primary Review Group:

Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group

Health topics:

Developmental, psychosocial, and learning problems > Psychosocial problems > Sleeping problems

Demographic:

Seniors

Cochrane group topics:

Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems > PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS > SLEEPING PROBLEMS > The behaviour therapies

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Cognitive behavioural therapy for older adults (aged 60+) with sleep problems

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