HMN 2026: How Online therapy cuts insomnia and anxiety in adults 65 and older

Cognitive behavioral therapies for insomnia (CBT-I) are increasingly being delivered online to improve accessibility. However, although insomnia and anxiety frequently occur together in older adults, few interventions address both conditions simultaneously. A new digital platform developed by researchers at the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), in collaboration with Concordia University, Université Laval and the Université de Montréal, aims to fill that gap.

The results of a clinical trial, published in the journal Age and Ageing, highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of the program, with promising applications for improving mental health and sleep among older adults.

An accessible program designed for seniors

The research team conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 80 adults age 65 and older who were experiencing insomnia. The eCBT+ program consists of a seven-week intervention featuring one 30-minute interactive video module per week.

“Insomnia and anxiety are very common among older adults. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for insomnia, access remains very limited because of the availability of trained professionals and the high cost of treatment,” explains Dr. Thien Thanh Dang-Vu, a neurologist, laboratory director at CRIUGM and a professor in Concordia University’s Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology.

Accessible on computer, tablet or smartphone, this platform is the first of its kind available in French. It was specifically designed for older users, with adjustable features such as text size and contrast settings, as well as scenarios that reflect their everyday experiences.

Significant clinical results

The study aimed to assess the usability, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the eCBT+ program compared with a waitlist control group.

In terms of usability, participants rated the platform as user-friendly and intuitive, achieving a usability score of nearly 70%. Acceptance of the platform was driven primarily by its ease of use and the perceived usefulness of the program.

“From a clinical perspective, the intervention proved highly effective. Participants who completed the eCBT+ program experienced significant improvements in sleep efficiency and reductions in symptoms of both insomnia and anxiety compared with the control group,” says Mathilde Reyt, the study’s first author and a 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 among older adults. This combined digital CBT program represents an important step toward making these treatments more accessible to everyone,” concludes Dr. Dang-Vu.

The research team plans to expand its sample size to confirm the program’s long-term effects, with particular attention to potential benefits for cognitive function and daytime quality of life among older adults.

The content is provided for information purposes only.