Virtual sessions are equally effective in helping people with chronic insomnia improve their sleep.
To combat insomnia, do cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC) via teleconsultation is as effective as face-to-face with a professional, according to a new study.
TTCs have proven themselves against insomnia. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to do the necessary sessions. To remedy this problem, researchers wanted to test the effectiveness of online consultations, which can be done from anywhere on a computer.
Also close and supported by their therapist
For this analysis, the scientists worked with 38 adults with chronic insomnia, randomly assigned to six real or virtual CBT sessions. Conclusion: the remote sessions were just as effective in helping people with chronic insomnia improve their sleep. Patients were also equally satisfied with their therapists in both situations.
“The results of this study indicate that insomniacs can feel as close and supported by their therapist in teleconsultation as if they were in the office”, summarizes Deirdre Conroy, co-author of the study. “Telemedicine could be used more in CBT for insomnia, to bridge the gap between supply and demand.”
The serious physical and psychological consequences of lack of sleep
73% of French people say they wake up at least once a night, and 36% say they suffer from at least one sleep disorder (insomnia, apnea, restless leg syndrome, etc.). Among them, only 18% are undergoing treatment.
Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with weight gain, obesity, the contraction of infections, the development of breast and prostate cancer (hormone-dependent), hypertension or even depression. “For fifteen years, the serious physical and psychological consequences of lack of sleep have now been proven. The problem is that this message has not passed on to the general public. People do not make their sleep a priority, when it should be an incompressible daily time”, laments Dr Sylvie Royant-Parola, president of the Morphée Network, psychiatrist and doctor specializing in sleep. “When you don’t sleep well over a long period, and you don’t understand why, you have to consult,” she insists.
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