Dr Prakash calls for more training workshops to improve implementation of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for older adults with sleep disorder. Although we agree that there are too few sleep specialists, we believe that the key to more effective implementation is to provide the same training for other health professionals, including primary care nurses. Although there is no consensus on which component should be included in CBT for insomnia, our experience is that sleep restriction and stimulus control are both crucial for improving sleep in this age group. These components can easily be adapted for use by most health professionals.
In Norway, the Norwegian Medical Association has started to offer training workshops on CBT for insomnia for its members and the Norwegian Psychological Association will soon follow this important initiative.
However, we share Dr Prakash's concern that there is still insufficient research on how to optimise the treatment and there is clearly a need for studies to determine which component works best and for whom.
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