A Behavioral Intervention for HIV-Positive Individuals with Insomnia Complaints

Grant Winner

Dean

Abstract

Reports of sleep complaints among HIV+persons have ranged from 14% to 79%. Furthermore, studies have established the presence of sleep disorders independent of psychological causes such as depression. Sleep disturbances reported include delayed sleep onset, nocturnal awakenings, early morning awakenings and poor sleep quality. Despite the prevalence of sleep complaints, little information exists on the treatment of sleep disturbances in this population. The use of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia with HIV+individuals has been encouraged as a means of avoiding the use of sleep medications, which can cause sedation, dependence or drug interactions, and as a way of imparting a sense of control and mastery to HIV+patients. This study will yield preliminary data regarding the efficacy of an established psychological intervention for insomnia in reducing sleep complaints among HIV+individuals and will generate pilot data to assess the feasibility of conducting such an intervention within an HIV+ population.