Sleep Hygiene as a Nonpharmacologic Intervention for Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep-wake disorder that affects approximately 5-30% of people in the United States. Those with insomnia experience difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and early awakening that contribute to impaired daytime functioning. Traditionally, management of insomnia has included use of pharmacologic treatments, some with detrimental side effects. Nonpharmacologic treatments to manage insomnia are typically safe, cost-effective, and have greater long-term efficacy. Nonpharmacologic treatment for insomnia, including sleep hygiene education, is easily employed by primary care providers and should be a first-line intervention. The Stetler (2001) research utilization model was selected as the guiding framework for development and implementation of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project. An algorithm that guides providers through diagnosis of insomnia and appropriate use of sleep hygiene education was developed. A validation survey was completed by subject matter experts to review and validate the sleep hygiene education algorithm. The algorithm was determined to be valid by all subject matter experts who responded (n = 13). Most respondents, 92.31% (n = 12), felt the algorithm could be used in clinical practice. Pilot testing of the clinical algorithm developed for this Doctor of Nursing Practice project is a consideration for future research