Barriers in Access to and Delivery of Behavioral Sleep Treatments

Purpose of Review: Sleep disorders are prevalent among the U.S. population. Despite the increasing recognition of evidence-based behavioral sleep interventions as an essential component of sleep disorders treatment, many patients do not receive this care. This paper aims to review the specific barriers in access to and delivery of behavioral sleep treatments and explores promising avenues for overcoming these barriers. Recent Findings: A review of the available literature on behavioral sleep interventions—heavily skewed toward treatment of insomnia- reveals significant provider-, patient-, and system-level barriers. Current efforts to expand access include increasing public awareness and provider knowledge of sleep disorders, implementation of innovative care models and tele-health delivery formats and increasing the number of specially-trained behavioral sleep providers. Summary: Expansion of access to evidence-based behavioral treatment for the full spectrum of sleep disorders is crucial to addressing the growing sleep health crisis.

Duke Scholars

Author Christi S Ulmer Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...