Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have found that the online insomnia treatment SHUTi can significantly improve sleep quality for caregivers facing demanding responsibilities, providing a practical and accessible solution.
Caring for a loved one with a disabling illness is an emotionally and physically demanding role that often leaves caregivers struggling with insomnia. However, new research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine offers hope through an online insomnia treatment program that can help these caregivers get much-needed rest.
The study, published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, investigated the efficacy of SHUTi (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet), an internet-based sleep intervention designed to combat insomnia.
The researchers found that not only did SHUTi improve sleep quality for caregivers, but it was especially beneficial for those with the most demanding caregiving responsibilities.
“Compared to the general population, caregivers are more likely to experience insomnia but have a harder time getting help for this problem,” Kelly M. Shaffer, a clinical psychologist at UVA Health and a member of UVA’s Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, said in a news release. “Effective and accessible Internet-based interventions like SHUTi can give more caregivers meaningful relief.”
The Caregiving Challenge
Approximately one in six Americans is engaged in providing care for a family member with a disabling illness, often leading to significant emotional and physical stress. Despite frequent sleep deprivation, caregivers typically struggle to find effective solutions that fit into their demanding schedules.
The SHUTi program, which uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat insomnia, has already shown success in previous trials.
In this study, Shaffer and her team provided SHUTi to 100 high-intensity caregivers suffering from insomnia. While 60 participants completed the program, 22 started but did not finish, and 18 did not engage due to time constraints related to their caregiving duties.
Promising Results
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Most participants found the program user-friendly and experienced improvements in their sleep quality and reduction in nighttime awakenings. Notably, caregivers facing the most challenging situations and those feeling the greatest guilt about taking time for themselves showed the most significant improvements.
The participants appreciated how SHUTi helped them manage stress, anxiety and their feelings of overwhelming responsibility, allowing for a calmer mind as they attempted to sleep.
A Step Forward
The results suggest that SHUTi can serve as a valuable tool for caregivers who might not have the opportunity to seek in-person treatment. Although the program was effective even without specific tailoring for caregivers, the researchers believe additional custom content could further enhance its benefits.
“Family caregivers fill an irreplaceable role in their loved ones’ health care teams. In turn, they deserve care for their own health concerns that is effective, affordable and practical. Our study provides hope that Internet-based interventions like SHUTi can make that a reality,” added Shaffer.