Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Persons Living with HIV

ABSTRACT

This study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Of the 22 persons enrolled, 9 were lost before starting treatment, and one dropped out after starting BBTI. Acceptability was rated favorably by those completing the treatment (n = 12). The most common problems pertained to sleep hygiene: variable bedtimes and rise times, watching television, or consuming caffeine. Improvements on sleep outcomes at posttreatment were clinically and statistically significant on questionnaire and sleep diary outcomes. This study supports the overall feasibility of BBTI in PLWH, and the preliminary evidence supports further research on this treatment for PLWH who have insomnia, but dropouts indicate that some individuals may have difficulty initiating treatment.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Daniel Buysse for sharing his BBTI protocol and workbook for this study. We especially thank the participants who gave their time for this study.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by NIH P30 NR 011400 (Center for Research on the Management of Sleep Disturbance) and by matching funds from the University of Washington School of Nursing. This was not an industry-supported study.