Providing care for a family member with a disabling illness can be a demanding job that leaves many people unable to sleep, but an online insomnia treatment developed at the University of Virginia School of Medicine can help, new research shows. Not only did the SHUTi (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet) sleep intervention help caregivers get better rest, it most benefited those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones, the researchers found. The results suggest the online format of the program holds great promise for helping people access insomnia treatment who otherwise could not because of their demanding caregiving responsibilities, the investigators say.
"Compared to the general population, caregivers are more likely to experience insomnia but have a harder time getting help for this problem," said researcher Kelly M. Shaffer, Ph.D.
, a clinical psychologist at UVA Health who is part of UVA's Center for Behavioral Health and Technology. "Effective and accessible Internet-based interventions like SHUTi can give more caregivers meaningful relief." The researchers have published their findings in a pair of papers in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine .
Caregivers and insomnia Approximately one in six Americans provides physical, emotional or medical care for a loved one disabled by illness. This can place a huge emotional and physical toll on caregivers. Many end up stressed and sleep-deprived but still struggle to fall asleep even when they have.