Enhancing Hypnotic Medication Discontinuation in Primary Care

Most primary care providers are willing to explore non-drug treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), but accessing such treatments can be challenging outside of specialized sleep centers. This gap between research and practice underscores the need for cost-effective interventions to manage insomnia and help patients reduce their reliance on hypnotics in primary care.

In response to this need, the project aims to conduct a large randomized trial comparing a combined digital CBT (dCBTI) and medication tapering intervention with medication tapering alone. We'll recruit 250 patients reliant on hypnotics across collaborating clinics and the general public . The main goal is to assess the effectiveness of dCBTI+SMT compared to SMT alone in reducing hypnotic use and improving insomnia symptoms.

Additionally, we'll evaluate factors affecting the adoption and implementation of these interventions at the patient, provider, and system levels. This information will inform future implementation strategies to disseminate effective treatments in primary care.

Furthermore, we'll gather data to identify which patients benefit most from dCBTI+SMT. Overall, this study will provide valuable insights into the feasibility, clinical utility, and acceptability of these interventions in managing insomnia and reducing reliance on hypnotic medications in medical settings. Ultimately, this project represents a crucial first step toward making accessible and cost-effective strategies available to improve the quality of life for millions of chronic users of sleep aids.