The effect of nurse-led Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on patients with cardiovascular disease: A randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up.

AIM: To test the effect of nurse-led Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (I-CBTI), tailored for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a 6-month follow-up. DESIGN: A two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NTC03938805) and reported according to the CONSORT checklist. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (mean age 72 years, 65% men) diagnosed with CVD and insomnia were randomized to either 9-week nurse-led I-CBTI with support, or an Internet-based self-study programme without support (control group). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used as primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: ISI showed a significant treatment effect of I-CBTI compared to the control group at 9-week follow-up. The mean ISI score in the I-CBTI group at 9 weeks post-treatment was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Patients' adherence to I-CBTI was associated with a better effect on both the ISI and SF-12.

Experiences and Management of Incidents That Influence Sleep in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease and Insomnia.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a global problem and an important risk factor for patients living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), causing poor well-being and worsening disease prognosis. Yet, there is a lack of effective intervention strategies targeting sleep problems. To deliver patient-centered interventions and achieve good quality of sleep for this group, the own experiences of patients with CVD need to be understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe experiences that influence the sleep situation and management of sleep problems among patients with CVD and insomnia. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design with critical incident technique methodology was used. Twenty patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age, 73 years; range, 47-83 years) with single or multiple verified CVD diagnoses and insomnia were included. RESULTS: Four underlying categories of sleep disruptors were identified: cognitive, social, physical, and behavioral. Participants experienced distress from the heart condition at night, physically and cognitively, with high levels of concern about its consequences for themselves and their families. Participants' sleep management preferences and responses included cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacological management strategies. Participants preferred their own nonpharmacological insomnia management over professional advice. CONCLUSION: Patients with CVD and insomnia experienced both physical and cognitive distress from their heart condition and chose to adopt nonpharmacological insomnia management. Tailored professional support is needed to change precipitating behavioral factors to be able to treat insomnia, improve sleep, reduce symptom burden, and enhance quality of life.