Pilot randomized trial of brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in patients with heart failure

Abstract

BackgroundInsomnia is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with reduced physical and mental functioning, including possible exacerbation of cognitive deficits. ObjectivesThis study evaluated the effects of Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI) on insomnia and related factors among HF patients. MethodsTwenty-three HF patients with insomnia (70% women; 65% white; Mage = 55.7 ± 11.3 years; NYHA Class II = 70%) were randomized to a behavioral intervention (BI; n = 12) or sleep monitoring (SM; n = 11) group. Sleep, cognitive functioning, quality of life, distress, self-care, and functional status were assessed pre- and post-intervention. ResultsBI participants experienced reduced insomnia and increased sleep quality and efficiency, with 58% demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements in insomnia and 25% achieving remission of insomnia symptoms. Depression and anxiety also improved in BI participants. ConclusionsBBTI was tolerated well within this symptom-limited patient population and was associated with reduced symptoms of insomnia and distress.