Internet-delivered or mailed self-help treatment for insomnia? A randomized waiting-list controlled trial

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing insomnia complaints, but the effects of self-help CBT have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of self-help for insomnia delivered in either electronic or paper-and-pencil format compared to a waiting-list. Participants kept a diary and filled out questionnaires before they were randomized into electronic (n = 216), paper-and-pencil (n = 205), or waiting-list (n = 202) groups. The intervention consisted of 6 weeks of unsupported self-help CBT, and post-tests were 4, 18, and 48 weeks after intervention. At 4-week follow-up, electronic and paper-and-pencil conditions were superior (p < .01) compared to the waiting-list condition on most daily sleep measures (Δd = 0.29–0.64), global insomnia symptoms (Δd = 0.90–1.00), depression (Δd = 0.36–0.41), and anxiety symptoms (Δd = 0.33–0.40). The electronic and paper-and-pencil groups demonstrated equal effectiveness 4 weeks after treatment (Δd = 0.00–0.22; p > .05). Effects were sustained at 48-week follow-up. This large-scale unsupported self-help study shows moderate to large effects on sleep measures that were still present after 48 weeks. Unsupported self-help CBT for insomnia therefore appears to be a promising first option in a stepped care approach.

► Self-help treatment improved global insomnia symptoms and daily sleep measures.
► Internet-delivered and mailed self-help treatment demonstrated equal effectiveness.
► Effects for paper-and-pencil and electronic format were sustained after 48 weeks.