Use of Insomnia Treatments and Discussions About Sleep with Health Professionals Among Australian Adults with Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Background

Insomnia is a common issue among individuals with mental health conditions, yet the frequency of insomnia treatment remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of probable insomnia, discussions regarding sleep with health professionals, and the utilisation of commonly delivered insomnia treatments in Australian adults diagnosed with mental health conditions.

Methods

This study represents a secondary analysis of data collected through a cross-sectional, national online survey conducted in 2019. A subset included participants (n = 624, age 18–85y) who self-reported a diagnosis of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants were classed as having probable insomnia based on self-reported symptoms and a minimum availability of 7.5 hours in bed.

Results

Among individuals with probable insomnia (n = 296, 47.4%), 64.5% (n = 191) reported discussing sleep with one or more health professionals, predominantly with general practitioners (n = 160, 83.8%). However, 35.4% (n = 105) of people with probable insomnia had not discussed their sleep with a health professional. Additionally, 35.1% (n = 104) used prescribed medication for sleep, while only 15.9% (n = 47) had used the first line recommended treatment of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in the last 12 months.

Conclusion

Although most participants who met the criteria for probable insomnia had engaged in discussions about sleep with health professionals, utilisation of first line recommended treatment was low. Interventions that promote routine assessment of sleep and first line treatment for insomnia by health professionals would likely benefit people with mental health conditions.

Keywords:

• sleep
• insomnia
• help seeking
• assessment
• treatment
• care
• mental health

Data Sharing Statement

Data may be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge all participants who completed the Sleep Health Foundation Insomnia 2019 Survey.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

DIR is supported by a Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship provided by Murdoch University. Funder did not contribute, at any stage, to the development of this study or decision to publish. ACR is a spokesperson for the Sleep Health Foundation, conducting public and workplace presentations with the aim of increasing public awareness of sleep health. She has received funding from multiple industry sources not related to this project, and was a Chief Investigator on the Sleep Health Foundation funded project from which this analysis is drawn. SLA reports grants from Sleep Health Foundation, during the conduct of the study. RJA reports grants from Sleep Health Foundation, during the conduct of the study; grants from National Health and Medical Research Council, The Hospital Research Foundation, ResMed Foundation, Philips, and Flinders Foundation, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The insomnia survey was funded by the not-for-profit Australian Sleep Health Foundation, using an unrestricted grant from Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD Australia) Pty Limited. MSD Australia played no role in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, or the decision to submit the article for publication.