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Barriers in Access to and Delivery of Behavioral Sleep Treatments

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A Correction to this article was published on 25 January 2024

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their appreciation to Wilfred Pigeon, Ph.D for his review of and contribution to our content on the history of behavioral sleep medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA

    Sydneyjane Roberts & Christi S. Ulmer

  2. Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA

    Christi S. Ulmer

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

    Christi S. Ulmer

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Roberts, S., Ulmer, C.S. Barriers in Access to and Delivery of Behavioral Sleep Treatments. Curr Sleep Medicine Rep 10, 70–80 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-023-00270-9

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