Project

Tailored treatment of insomnia in social and health care sector shift workers in occupational health care

Disturbed sleep and insomnia are common among shift workers, and disturbed sleep is also considered a key factor in other health hazards associated with shift work. However, there are no established treatment practices for treating insomnia in shift workers. The purpose of the study is to obtain more information, especially on the ways to promote good sleep for shift workers and the treatment of insomnia in occupational health care.

Timetable

8/2024–1/2027

Objectives

The aim is to study the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) carried out by occupational health care and tailored for social and health care sector shift workers who work in night shifts.

Furthermore, we assess the shift workers’ experience on the treatment, i.e. Its acceptability and feasibility from the perspective of employees. We also examine which features of shift work and individual characteristics of employees promote or interfere with the effectiveness of the tailored treatment for insomnia.

Data and methods

This study uses a randomised and controlled intervention study design.

The participants are shift workers in the social and health care sector who work night shifts and have significant insomnia symptoms.

The subjects are recruited through occupational health care health examinations and other appointments for shift workers. Additionally, shift workers are recruited through social media posts. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health carries out the selection and measurements of the participants.

The selected participants do the initial measurements (sleep diary, actigraphy and surveys). They are then randomly divided into research and control interventions. The interventions are carried out by occupational health care partners and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The subjects will do the follow-up measurements after three and nine months.

Results and impact

The results of the study can be utilised in occupational health care to guide and treat shift workers with insomnia as part of work ability support.

In addition to articles, the results and practical recommendations will be publicised at, for example, a webinar and training events at the end of the project.