Cognitive behavioral therapy helps arrest insomnia in at-risk children: Study
Children with a family history of insomnia and subthreshold insomnia symptoms can prevent themselves from developing insomnia by receiving cognitive behavioral therapy, according to a recent study published in the Pediatrics journal.
A study was conducted by Chan N et. al to avoid the future development of insomnia in adolescents with a family history of insomnia.
The researchers selected a total of 242 at-risk adolescents and randomly divided them into an intervention group (n= 121) and a control group (n= 121). Further, they conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing 4 weekly insomnia prevention programs with a nonactive control group. All the participants were evaluated at baseline, postintervention, and 6 as well as 12 months after treatment. The participants were blinded to the randomization. Analyses were conducted based on the intention-to-treat principles.
The findings of the study are as follows:
· Both acute and chronic insomnia incidence rate was lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group over the 12- month follow-up (5.8% vs 20.7%; P = .002; number needed to treat = 6.7; hazard ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.66; P = .003)
· Insomnia symptoms (P = .03) and the vulnerability to stress-related insomnia were less in the intervention group) at postintervention and throughout the 12-month follow-up.
· Decreased daytime sleepiness (P = .04), superior sleep hygiene practices (P = .02), and increased total sleep time (P = .05) were observed in the intervention group.
· The depressive symptoms were also less in the intervention group at 12-month follow-up (P = .02) as compared to the control group.
The researchers concluded that a short cognitive behavioral program is efficient in avoiding the onset of insomnia and improving the risk factors and functioning outcomes.
Reference
A study titled, "Cognitive behavioral program may prevent insomnia in at-risk adolescents" published in the Pediatrics journal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-006833
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.