Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is increasingly being delivered online to improve accessibility. However, although insomnia and anxiety often co-occur in older adults, there are few interventions that address both conditions simultaneously. A new digital platform developed by researchers at the Center for Research on Geriatrics of Montreal (CRIUGM) in collaboration with Concordia University, Laval University, and the University of Montreal aims to fill that gap.
The results of the clinical trial were published in a magazine. age and agingpresents a promising application for improving mental health and sleep in older adults and highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of the program.
Accessible programs designed for seniors
The research team conducted a randomized controlled trial of 80 adults aged 65 and older who suffered from insomnia. The eCBT+ program consists of a 7-week intervention featuring one 30-minute interactive video module per week.
Insomnia and anxiety are very common in older adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for insomnia, but access remains very limited due to the availability of trained professionals and the high cost of treatment. ”
Dr. Thien Thanh Dang-Vu, Neurologist, Laboratory Director, CRIUGM, Professor, Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University
The platform, which can be accessed on computers, tablets and smartphones, is the first to be available in French. It is specifically designed for older users, with adjustable features such as text size and contrast settings, and scenarios that reflect everyday experiences.
Important clinical results
The research team conducted a randomized controlled trial of 80 adults aged 65 and older who suffered from insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the usability, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the eTCC+ program compared to a waitlist control group.
In terms of ease of use, participants found the platform to be user-friendly and intuitive, achieving a usability score of nearly 70%. The platform’s acceptance was primarily due to its ease of use and perceived usefulness of the program.
“From a clinical perspective, this intervention proved to be highly effective. Participants who completed the eCBT+ program experienced significant improvements in sleep efficiency and reductions in symptoms of both insomnia and anxiety compared to the control group,” said Mathilde Leight, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at CRIUGM and Concordia University.
“Our findings show that web-based tools offer a promising and clinically relevant approach to promoting sleep and mental health in older adults. This combined digital CBT program represents an important step toward making these treatments more accessible to everyone,” concludes Dr. Danvous.
The research team plans to expand the sample size to determine the long-term effects of the program, with a particular focus on potential benefits for older adults’ cognitive function and daytime quality of life.
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Reference magazines:
Leight, M. Others. (2026) Digital cognitive behavioral therapy program for insomnia and anxiety in older adults: Feasibility and preliminary efficacy. age and aging. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afag123. https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article-abstract/55/5/afag123/8672058
