Comparing Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Sleep Hygiene Workshops for Sleep Problems during Early Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

Sleep difficulties are common among pregnant and postpartum individuals and can negatively affect both parent and infant. This research compares two non-medication treatments for sleep problems during pregnancy cognitive behavioural therapy CBT for insomnia and sleep hygiene education. CBT is recommended as the first treatment for insomnia, and shortened CBT sessions have shown promise during pregnancy and postpartum. Sleep hygiene education is commonly used and has been found to improve sleep issues. This study aims to evaluate which workshop is more effective for early pregnancy sleep difficulties. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two group workshops. The CBT for Insomnia workshop includes strategies such as sleep drive regulation, stimulus control, sleep restriction, counter-arousal techniques, and cognitive restructuring, all adapted for perinatal concerns. The Sleep Hygiene workshop focuses on educating participants about sleep hygiene principles, including sleep environment, bedtime routines, food and drink, stimulant use, and exercise, tailored for perinatal transitions. Both treatments are delivered as group workshops during early pregnancy. Participants will be assessed over approximately 10 months at three timepoints before treatment prior to 26 weeks gestation, after treatment up to 34 weeks gestation, and at 12 weeks postpartum. Researchers will measure changes in insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index, along with multiple secondary measures related to anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, worry, pre-sleep arousal, and sleep quality. Assessments include self-report questionnaires, sleep diaries, polysomnography, and actigraphy watches. This comprehensive monitoring helps evaluate the impact of each treatment on sleep and related mental health during and after pregnancy.

Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia Versus Sleep Hygiene for Sleep Difficulties in Early Pregnancy