April/May 2015 (vol. 11/6)

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Work-related sleep problems

An online guided-recovery training programme for workers suffering work-related stress and insomnia significantly reduced sleep problems, according to this randomised controlled trial. The benefits were sustained six months after the intervention. The GET.ON Recovery programme combines various established cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for treating insomnia with interventions to improve physical activity and reduce worrying. It is delivered in six weekly sessions, with homework. In total, 128 schoolteachers were randomised either to the GET.ON programme or a waiting-list control. Insomnia severity score (ISS), was significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001) immediately after the intervention and after six months. Mean ISS for the intervention group was 18.0 at baseline, 9.2 after intervention and 8.7 after six months; it was 17.8, 15.6 and 15.2, respectively, for the control group. The intervention group also scored significantly higher for sleep efficiency, restorative sleep, recreational activities and recovery experiences (a measure of psychological detachment from work and relaxation). 

Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health 2015; 41: 54–64. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3478.

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Occupational Health at Work April/May 2015 (vol. 11/6) pp47