Exploring a behavioural therapy for insomnia in shift workers

About 30% of Canadian workers are on shift work schedules, and 8% to 32% of them suffer from Shift Work Disorder (SWD). Only a few behavioural treatments exist to treat this population. This study explores the efficacy and feasibility of sleep restriction therapy for insomnia in a group of night shift workers. Six participants (3 women) meeting SWD criteria were recruited. Mean age was 45.7 years old (SD=8.2). A multiple baseline design was used. After baseline, each participant received six to eight weekly treatment sessions. They completed several self reported questionnaires and a daily sleep diary throughout the study. For each sleep period, sleep variables were calculated from the sleep diary. Two participants had a high treatment response and all others participants had a moderate response. Moreover, all participants presented at least two significant clinical improvements. Five participants presented a decreased in both sleepiness scores. The study suggests that sleep restriction therapy is effective, feasible, and reliable. Sleep restriction therapy for insomnia could improve sleep and diminish sleepiness in shift workers suffering from SWD. The present study opens new possibilities of treatment for shift workers that deserve greater attention in the future