Principles of psychological and behavioural interventions for insomnia in adults

Psychological and behavioural interventions effectively treat insomnia and are first-line therapy, in combination with addressing factors that affect sleep and optimising sleep practices.

Educate and encourage all patients with insomnia to implement good sleep practices.

Choice of intervention depends on the nature of insomnia (ie acute versus chronic and the portion of the sleep cycle affected) and resources available.

For patients with acute insomnia, as relevant, recommend:

• relaxation therapies
• stimulus control
• sleep restriction
• other lifestyle interventions.

For patients with chronic insomnia, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is first-line therapy. If cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia cannot be undertaken, as relevant, use the interventions listed for acute insomnia above.