None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Better Bedtimes is a brief, two-session psychologist-delivered intervention designed to help children aged 6 to 11 years fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of the intervention for children with insomnia symptoms. A secondary exploratory aim is to compare outcomes between children with and without a comorbid anxiety disorder.
Interventions
The Better Bedtimes study runs over an 8-week period and involves a structured, evidence-based sleep restriction therapy (SRT) program. The SRT program is delivered by a psychologist and consists of two sessions spaced one week apart (Session 1: 30–45 minutes, Session 2: 30 minutes) delivered either face-to-face at Macquarie University Emotional Health Clinic or via Zoom. Families track child sleep patterns using a daily diary for one week at baseline (Week 1), during active treatment (Week 2 &
The Better Bedtimes study runs over an 8-week period and involves a structured, evidence-based sleep restriction therapy (SRT) program. The SRT program is delivered by a psychologist and consists of two sessions spaced one week apart (Session 1: 30–45 minutes, Session 2: 30 minutes) delivered either face-to-face at Macquarie University Emotional Health Clinic or via Zoom. Families track child sleep patterns using a daily diary for one week at baseline (Week 1), during active treatment (Week 2 & 3), immediately post-treatment (Week 4), and at a 4-week follow-up (Week 8). Using baseline data, the psychologist calculates the child’s average total sleep time (TST) and temporarily restricts time in bed to TST minus 15 minutes, ensuring it does not drop below a safe threshold. A consistent wake time is maintained, and bedtime is adjusted accordingly. Time in bed is gradually increased in small increments until an optimal schedule is achieved. Families are given a workbook after the first appointment which includes psychoeducation on sleep processes and the science of sleep restriction therapy. Adherence is monitored via session attendance and sleep diary reviews.
Sponsors
Macquarie University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
6 Years to 11 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Currently living in Australia Child aged between 6 and 11 years with at least one caregiver who can attend all treatment sessions. Caregivers must be a legal guardian with the authority to provide informed consent for the child’s participation. Other adults (such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or similar) may take part in the study alongside the child if the legal guardian provides consent for their involvement. Child must meet criteria for insomnia disorder as determined through structured diagnostic clinical interview. Those who meet all criteria but do not reach signifiant impairment will also be incldued. Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. ADHD, Autism) Evidence of a sleep disorder (e.g., restless legs syndrome, sleep apnoea) that is the primary cause of insomnia symptoms Actively suicidal or unable to keep themselves safe Receiving concurrent psychological therapy Not on a stable dose of medication (if applicable)
Outcome results
None listed