The European Academy for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia: An initiative of the European Insomnia Network to promote implementation and dissemination of treatment

TLDR

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder worldwide, linked to significant physical and mental health risks and substantial healthcare costs, yet despite guidelines endorsing CBT‑I as first‑line treatment, hypnotic medication remains the dominant therapy across Europe. The Task Force aims to create a European CBT‑I Academy that standardizes CBT‑I training and accredits training centres across the continent. The Task Force, convened by the European Sleep Research Society and the European Insomnia Network, developed the academy concept, defined CBT‑I components, set professional prerequisites, outlined teaching methods, identified target audiences, and incorporated a stepped‑care model for delivery.

Abstract

Abstract Insomnia, the most prevalent sleep disorder worldwide, confers marked risks for both physical and mental health. Furthermore, insomnia is associated with considerable direct and indirect healthcare costs. Recent guidelines in the US and Europe unequivocally conclude that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) should be the first‐line treatment for the disorder. Current treatment approaches are in stark contrast to these clear recommendations, not least across Europe, where, if any treatment at all is delivered, hypnotic medication still is the dominant therapeutic modality. To address this situation, a Task Force of the European Sleep Research Society and the European Insomnia Network met in May 2018. The Task Force proposed establishing a European CBT‐I Academy that would enable a Europe‐wide system of standardized CBT‐I training and training centre accreditation. This article summarizes the deliberations of the Task Force concerning definition and ingredients of CBT‐I, preconditions for health professionals to teach CBT‐I, the way in which CBT‐I should be taught, who should be taught CBT‐I and to whom CBT‐I should be administered. Furthermore, diverse aspects of CBT‐I care and delivery were discussed and incorporated into a stepped‐care model for insomnia.