This pilot randomised, open-label, parallel-group controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a psychologist-supported digital behavioural therapy for insomnia (dBTi) compared to a wait-listed active control (digital sleep health education) in young people aged 16-24 years with insomnia symptoms.
The primary objectives are to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial by assessing recruitment, consent and randomisation rates, intervention uptake, and data completeness. Secondary objectives include exploring treatment effects on insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index), sleep diary metrics, sleep quality, fatigue, and mood (depression and anxiety symptoms). Post-intervention interviews will assess participant experience and acceptability.
Results will inform the design of a larger randomised controlled trial.
16 -24 years old
Able to give informed online consent and if younger <18years old guardian/parental consent
Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 10
English fluency
Shift-workers with regular shifts between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
Recent travel to a destination with >2 hours time difference (within last 7-days and with subjective reports that they are not experiencing jet lag).
Serious medical and/or psychiatric illnesses/disorders (e.g., Epilepsy or other seizure disorders, heart failure, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Major Depressive disorder)
Self-reported/diagnosed sleep disorders other than insomnia (e.g. - Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, REM/NREM sleep disorders, Restless Leg Syndrome, Narcolepsy, free running cycle & Circadian rhythm disorder)
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
Lead sponsor
Macquarie University, Australia
Collaborator