The Summary
This clinical trial investigated the feasibility and efficacy of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) in adults aged 50 and older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and insomnia. Researchers randomized 40 participants to either a six-session digital CBT-I program (Sleepio) or an online sleep education control group. The study demonstrated excellent feasibility, with high recruitment, digital protocol adherence, and retention. Most importantly, participants receiving the digital CBT-I showed a major, statistically significant reduction in insomnia severity at week 12 compared to the control group.
Why this is interesting
Insomnia often worsens cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but sleep clinics can be hard to access. Historically, doctors lacked robust evidence for digital interventions in this vulnerable population. This study proves that older adults with MCI can successfully navigate and benefit from app-based therapy. By significantly reducing insomnia, this scalable digital approach offers an accessible, drug-free way to improve sleep quality. For readers, it highlights that digital sleep therapies are viable, highly effective tools, even for those already experiencing early-stage memory or cognitive issues.