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Review
. 2017;3(2):48-56.
doi: 10.1007/s40675-017-0065-4. Epub 2017 May 8.

Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT) for Insomnia: a State-of-the-Science Review

Annemarie I Luik  1   2 , Simon D Kyle  1 , Colin A Espie  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT) for Insomnia: a State-of-the-Science Review

Annemarie I Luik et al. Curr Sleep Med Rep. 2017.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Over the past decade, digital solutions have been developed to support the dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In this paper, we review the evidence for and implications of digital CBT (dCBT) for insomnia.

Recent findings: We propose three categories of dCBT, which differ in the amount of clinician time needed, level of automatization, costs, and scalability: dCBT as support, guided dCBT, and fully automated dCBT. Consistent evidence has been published on the effectiveness of dCBT to address insomnia disorder, in a variety of populations, with effects extending into well-being. Important gaps in the literature are identified around moderators and mediators of dCBT, cost-effectiveness, and the implementation of dCBT.

Summary: The evidence base for dCBT is rapidly developing and already suggests that dCBT for insomnia is effective. However, further science and digital innovation is required to realize the full potential of dCBT and address important clinical questions.

Keywords: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Digital CBT; Insomnia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Annemarie I Luik reports holding a position at Oxford University funded by Big Health Ltd and serving as their Research Lead.

Simon D Kyle reports personal fees from Sleepio.

Colin A Espie reports personal fees from Big Health Ltd. and Warnford Wellness. Dr. Espie reports a licensed patent from Sleepio and is the co-founder and CMO of Big Health Ltd.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Defining and developing Digital Medicine: essential components. Digital Medicine, including dCBT, is the product of interaction across four essential domains (technology, design, clinical, research). Advanced knowledge and expertise of the specific components within each of the domains is critical to developing a safe, clinically effective, scalable, and sustainable product. dCBT digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, RCT randomized controlled trial, SCED single-case experimental designs
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