Providing access to digital sleep interventions through public libraries- a novel approach to increasing access

Chronic insomnia disorder is characterised by difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep. It affects about 10% of the population and if left untreated can lead to the development of severe mental health problems such as depression and can result in absenteeism, presenteeism and an increased health care costs (annual loss in GDP in the UK are estimated at 33 billion GBP). Cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment that targets the individual’s maladaptive sleep behaviours and thoughts. CBT-I is recommended as first line therapy by numerous health bodies including NICE. Unfortunately, access is limited because of the costs and lack of trained providers. Digital versions of CBT-I have improved accessibility. Unfortunately, digital inequalities remain a problem in Scotland with about 7% of those in deprived areas without internet access (Scottish Household Survey 2021). Our vision at the University of Strathclyde Centre for Sleep Health is to increase accessibility to digital versions of CBT-I. Providing digital health care services through public libraries has been successfully trialled in other areas. Access to digital CBT for insomnia through this medium has not yet been explored. The overarching aim of the PhD will be to assess how we can best provide digital sleep interventions through public libraries in Scotland with a particular focus on those individuals of the population who are hard to reach.

The studentship will consist of three projects: 1) a scoping literature review to identify existing initiatives for providing digital health care through public libraries 2) a co-production workshop with relevant stakeholders to develop a service through which digital CBT-I can be provided through public libraries and 3) a pilot feasibility and acceptability study to evaluate the service.