Log in and breathe out: internet-based recovery training for sleepless employees with work-related strain - results of a randomized controlled trial

Thiart H, Lehr D, Ebert D, Berking M, Heleen R (2015)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, other

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health (NOROSH)

Publisher: Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health (NOROSH)

Book Volume: 41

Pages Range: 164-174

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3478

Abstract

Objectives The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of a guided internet-based recovery training for employees who suffer from both work-related strain and sleep problems (GET.ON Recovery). The recovery training consisted of six lessons, employing well-established methods from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) such as sleep restriction, stimulus control, and hygiene interventions as well as techniques targeted at reducing rumination and promoting recreational activities. Methods In a two-arm RCT (N=128), the effects of GET.ON Recovery were compared to a waitlist-control condition (WLC) on the basis of intention-to-treat analyses. German teachers with clinical insomnia complaints (Insomnia Severity Index =15) and work-related rumination (Irritation Scale, cognitive irritation subscale =15) were included. The primary outcome measure was insomnia severity. Results Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that, compared to the WLC, insomnia severity of the intervention group decreased significantly stronger (F=74.11, P<0.001) with a d=1.45 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06–1.84] The number needed to treat (NNT) was <2 for reliable change and NNT <4 for reduction in expert-rated diagnosis of primary insomnia. Conclusion The training significantly reduces sleep problems and fosters mental detachment from work and recreational behavior among adult stressed employees at post-test and 6-months follow up. Given the low threshold access this training could reach out to a large group of stressed employees when results are replicated in other studies.

Authors with CRIS profile

David Ebert Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie Matthias Berking Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

Involved external institutions

Leuphana Universität Lüneburg DE Germany (DE) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) / University Amsterdam NL Netherlands (NL)

How to cite

APA:

Thiart, H., Lehr, D., Ebert, D., Berking, M., & Heleen, R. (2015). Log in and breathe out: internet-based recovery training for sleepless employees with work-related strain - results of a randomized controlled trial. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 41(2), 164-174. https://dx.doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3478

MLA:

Thiart, Hanne, et al. "Log in and breathe out: internet-based recovery training for sleepless employees with work-related strain - results of a randomized controlled trial." Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health 41.2 (2015): 164-174.

BibTeX: Download