Cognitive-Behavioural and Hypnotic Treatment of Chronic Primary Insomnia Among the Elderly

Summary

The present study examines the short- and long-term clinical efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy and pharmacological treatment in patients suffering from late-life primary insomnia. 46 subjects suffering from chronic primary insomnia were randomized into either cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT, n=18), hypnotics (7.5 mg Zopiclone, n=16), or placebo treatment (n=12). All active treatments lasted 6 weeks with follow-ups conducted at 6 months. Ambulant clinical polysomnography (PSG) and sleep diaries were used on all three assessment points.

Timeline

Start

2004-01

Primary completion

2006-01

Completion

2007-12

Publications

• Results Sivertsen B, Omvik S, Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Havik OE, Kvale G, Nielsen GH, Nordhus IH. Cognitive behavioral therapy vs zopiclone for treatment of chronic primary insomnia in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2006 Jun 28;295(24):2851-8. doi: 10.1001/jama.295.24.2851.
• Results Omvik S, Sivertsen B, Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Havik OE, Nordhus IH. Daytime functioning in older patients suffering from chronic insomnia: treatment outcome in a randomized controlled trial comparing CBT with Zopiclone. Behav Res Ther. 2008 May;46(5):623-41. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2008.02.013.
• Results Sivertsen B, Omvik S, Havik OE, Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Nielsen GH, Straume S, Nordhus IH. A comparison of actigraphy and polysomnography in older adults treated for chronic primary insomnia. Sleep. 2006 Oct;29(10):1353-8. doi: 10.1093/sleep/29.10.1353.

Drugs

Indications