Feasibility and Efficacy of a Self-Management Intervention for Insomnia in Stable Heart Failure

Sleep Deficiency: A Symptoms Perspective: Exemplars from Chronic Heart Failure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Breast Cancer

Sleep deficiency is associated with disabling daytime symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and fatigue. The purpose of this article is to discuss the contributions of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders to fatigue and EDS among people with chronic conditions. We use exemplars from the literature on chronic heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and breast cancer to (1) describe the prevalence of fatigue and EDS and their consequences; (2) examine the evidence for the contributions of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders to these symptoms; and (3) recommend implications for future research and practice.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of insomnia in patients with cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis with GRADE analysis

Insomnia, as a difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep, coupled with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) increase the risk of aggravate daytime symptoms, mortality, and morbidity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is thought to have a significant impact on insomnia treatment, but in patients with CVDs, there is a paucity of data. To provide a comprehensive appraisal on the impact of CBT on the treatment of insomnia in patients with CVDs. We searched Ovid, Scopus, Web of science, and Cochrane central, to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception till November 2022. Outcomes of interest were insomnia severity index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep efficiency (SE), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (DBAS), and sleep disorders questionnaire (SDQ). Pooled data were analyzed using mean difference (MD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random effect model using STATA 17 for Mac. Nine RCTs comprising 365 patients were included in the analysis. CBT significantly reduced scores of ISI (MD =  - 3.22, 95%  CI - 4.46 to - 1.98, p < 0.001), PSQI (MD =  - 2.33, 95%  CI - 3.23 to - 1.44, p < 0.001), DBAS (MD =  - 0.94, 95%  CI - 1.3 to - 0.58, p < 0.001), SDQ (MD =  - 0.38, 95%  CI - 0.56 to - 0.2, p < 0.001). Also, it increased the score of SE (MD = 6.65, 95% CI 2.54 to 10.77, p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in terms of ESS. CBT is an easy and feasible intervention with clinically significant improvement in insomnia symptoms. Further large-volume studies are needed to assess sustained efficacy.

The gap between statistical and clinical significance: time to pay attention to clinical relevance in patient-reported outcome measures of insomnia

BACKGROUND

Appropriately defining and using the minimal important change (MIC) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) are crucial for determining whether the results are clinically significant. The aim of this study is to survey the status of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for insomnia interventions to assess the inclusion and interpretation of MIC/MCID values.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study to survey the status of RCTs for insomnia interventions to assess the inclusion and appropriate interpretation of MIC/MCID values. A literature search was conducted by searching the main sleep medicine journals indexed in PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify a broad range of search terms. We included RCTs with no restriction on the intervention. The included studies used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) or the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire as the outcome measures.

RESULTS

81 eligible studies were identified, and more than one-third of the included studies used MIC/MCID (n = 31, 38.3%). Among them, 21 studies with ISI as the outcome used MIC defined as a relative decrease ranging from 3 to 8 points. The most frequently used MIC value was a 6-point decrease (n = 7), followed by 8-point (n = 6) and 7-point decrease (n = 4), a 4 to 5-points decrease (n = 3), and a 30% reduction from baseline; 6 studies used MCID values, ranging from 2.8 to 4 points. The most frequently used MCID value was a 4-point decrease in the ISI (n = 4). 4 studies with PSQI as the outcome used a 3-point change as the MIC (n = 2) and a 2.5 to 2.7-point difference as MCID (n = 2). 4 non-inferiority design studies considered interval estimation when drawing clinically significant conclusions in their MCID usage.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of consistent MIC/MCID interpretation and usage in outcome measures for insomnia highlights the urgent need for further efforts to address this issue and improve reporting practices.

Daytime symptom trajectories among adults with stable heart failure and insomnia: evidence from a randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia

People with heart failure (HF) experience a high symptom burden and prevalent insomnia. However, little is known about daytime symptom trajectories after cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). In this study we describe: (1) daytime symptom trajectories among adults with insomnia and stable HF over 1 year, (2) how symptom trajectories differ between CBT-I versus HF self-management interventions, and (3) associations between demographic, clinical, and sleep characteristics, perceived stress, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional performance and daytime symptoms trajectories. We retrospectively analysed data from a randomised controlled trial of CBT-I versus HF self-management (NCT0266038). We measured sleep, perceived stress, HRQoL, and functional performance at baseline and symptoms at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. We conducted group-based trajectory modelling, analysis of variance, chi-square, and proportional odds models. Among 175 participants (mean [standard deviation] age 63.0 [12.9] years, 57.1% male, 76% White), we found four daytime symptom trajectories: (A) low improving symptoms (38.3%); (B) low psychological symptoms and high improving physical symptoms (22.8%); (C) high improving symptoms (24.0%); and (D) high not improving symptoms (14.9%). The CBT-I versus the HF self-management group had higher odds of belonging to Group A compared to other trajectories after controlling for baseline fatigue (odds ratio = 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.39-7.68). The difference between the CBT-I and the HF self-management group was not statistically significant after controlling for baseline characteristics. Group D had the highest body mass index, perceived stress, and insomnia severity and the lowest cognitive ability, HRQoL, and functional performance. Research is needed to further evaluate factors contributing to symptom trajectories.

Costs and Resource Utilization of People with Stable Heart Failure and Insomnia: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

OBJECTIVES

Nearly half of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) report insomnia symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of CBT-I versus HF self-management on healthcare costs and resource utilization among patients with stable chronic HF who participated in a clinical trial of the effects of CBT-I compared to HF self-management education (attention control) over 1 year.

METHODS

We measured resource utilization as self-reported (medical record review) physician office visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions at 3-month intervals for 1 year after enrollment. Costs were estimated by applying price weights to visits and adding self-reported out-of-pocket and indirect costs. Univariate comparisons were made of resource utilization and costs between CBT-I and the HF self-management group. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to model costs, controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

The sample included 150 patients [79 CBT-I; 71 self-management (M age = 62 + 13 years)]. The CBT-I group had 4.2 inpatient hospitalizations vs 4.6 for the self-management group (p = .40). There were 13.1 outpatient visits, in the CBT-I compared with 15.4 outpatient visits (p-value range 0.39-0.81) for the self-management group. Total costs were not significantly different in univariate or ($7,813 CBT-I vs. $7,538 self-management), p = .96) or multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with both HF and insomnia, CBT-I and HF self-management were associated with similar resource utilization and total costs. Additional research is needed to estimate the value of CBT-I relative to usual care and other treatments for insomnia in patients with HF.

Sleep-related predictors of cognition among adults with chronic insomnia and heart failure enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Cognitive impairment and insomnia are common in chronic heart failure (HF). We examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and the extent to which demographic, clinical, symptom, and functional characteristics predicted cognition among people with chronic HF and insomnia who participated in a randomized controlled trial of CBT-I.

METHODS

Participants with HF were randomized to group-based CBT-I or an attention control (HF self-management education). Outcomes were measured over 1 year. We measured psychomotor vigilance and self-reported cognitive ability (PROMIS Cognitive Abilities Scale), clinical and demographic characteristics, history of sleep apnea, fatigue, pain, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), Six Minute Walk, EuroQoL Quality of Life, and wrist actigraphy (sleep characteristics and rest-activity rhythms). We used cosinor analysis to compute rest-activity rhythms and general linear models and general estimating equations to test the effects of predictors over 1 year.

RESULTS

The sample included 175 participants (mean age = 63 SD = 12.9 Years; 43% women). There was a statistically significant group-time effect on self-reported cognitive function and increases in the proportion of participants, with < 3 psychomotor vigilance lapses in the CBT-I group. Controlling for group-time effects and baseline cognition, decreased sleepiness, improved rest-activity rhythms, and 6-minute walk distance predicted a composite measure of cognition (psychomotor vigilance lapses and self-reported cognition).

CONCLUSIONS

CBT-I may improve cognition in adults with chronic HF. A future fully powered randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the extent to which CBT-I improves multiple dimensions of cognition.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Self-Management Strategy for Chronic Illness in Heart Failure; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02660385; Identifier: NCT02660385.

CITATION

Redeker NS, Conley S, O'Connell M, Geer JH, Yaggi H, Jeon S. Sleep-related predictors of cognition among adults with chronic insomnia and heart failure enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(6):1073-1081.

Primary care patients with cardiovascular disease eligible for nurse-led internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: Characteristics and motives for participation

AIM

To describe demographic, physical and psychological characteristics associated with insomnia in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) participating in nurse-led Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (I-CBTI), and their motives and expectations regarding participation in I-CBTI.

DESIGN

A mixed method design was applied, including primary care patients with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter or arrhythmia in southern Sweden.

METHODS

Data on demographics, insomnia severity and physical and psychological characteristics were collected through self-rated validated questionnaires (n = 126). Motives and expectations were collected through interviews (n = 19) and analysed using the 'personas' model.

RESULTS

Physical symptoms and psychological characteristics were associated with insomnia. Three personas were identified: the pragmatist (a curious and optimistic persona), the philosopher (a problem-solving persona) and the philanthropist (an altruistic persona). Expectations were positive among the three personas, but comorbid conditions reduced the perceived ability to make necessary behavioural changes.

Symptom Cluster Profiles Among Adults with Insomnia and Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Both heart failure (HF) and insomnia are associated with high symptom burden that may be manifested in clustered symptoms. To date, studies of insomnia have focused only on its association with single symptoms. The purposes of this study were to: (1) describe daytime symptom cluster profiles in adults with insomnia and chronic HF; and (2) determine the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics, insomnia and sleep characteristics and membership in symptom cluster profiles.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and ninety-five participants [M age 63.0 (SD12.8); 84 (43.1%) male; 148 (75.9%) New York Heart Association Class I/II] from the HeartSleep study (NCT0266038), a randomized controlled trial of the sustained effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data, including daytime symptoms (fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, dyspnea, sleepiness) and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), and sleep characteristics (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, wrist actigraphy). We conducted latent class analysis to identify symptom cluster profiles, bivariate associations, and multinomial regression.

RESULTS

We identified three daytime symptom cluster profiles, physical (N = 73 participants; 37.4%), emotional (N = 12; 5.6%), and all-high symptoms (N = 111; 56.4%). Body mass index, beta blockers, and insomnia severity were independently associated with membership in the all-high symptom profile, compared with the other symptom profile groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher symptom burden is associated with more severe insomnia in people with stable HF. There is a need to understand whether treatment of insomnia improves symptom burden as reflected in transition from symptom cluster profiles reflecting higher to lower symptom burden.

Treatment Fidelity in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an efficacious treatment for people with chronic insomnia, including those with heart failure (HF). Treatment fidelity evaluation is needed to ensure study validity and reliability.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to apply the National Institutes of Health Behavioral Change Consortium framework to ensure adequate treatment fidelity in a randomized controlled trial of CBT-I for people with stable HF.

METHODS

We describe strategies to ensure treatment fidelity in study design, provider training, and treatment delivery. We measured treatment receipt (observation and self-report) and enactment of CBT-I strategies (self-report and actigraphy). We used the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep Scale and the Sleep Disturbance Questionnaire to indicate sleep-related beliefs and cognitions. We computed descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics, treatment receipt, and enactment variables. We compared baseline and post-intervention dichotomous sleep behaviors using the two-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum test. We calculated the root mean square of successive difference in time of sleep onset and midpoint (actigraphy) to indicate day-by-day variability in bed and wake times.

RESULTS

Most participants completed the CBT-I intervention and follow-up assessments and attended each group or make-up session. Most correctly computed their sleep efficiency and completed their homework. Most participants used the sleep tracker and reported using strategies to improve their sleep schedules. There was a significant decrease in actigraph-measured light intensity during the 30 minutes and 1 hour before bedtime between baseline and post-intervention and no statistically significant changes in light intensity after waking or in nap frequency. Most of those who woke during the night got out of bed, consistent with recommendations. There were significant improvements on all of the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep items and total score and all but one item on the Sleep Disturbance Questionnaire.

DISCUSSION

Preserved treatment fidelity may explain the large and sustained effects in people with HF found in our trial. Further research is needed to evaluate CBT-I's effectiveness and implementation strategies among people with HF in real-world clinical settings.

Insomnia in patients with acute heart failure: from the KCHF registry

AIMS

Insomnia is a known risk factor for heart failure (HF) and a predictor of cardiac events in HF patients, but the clinical significance of insomnia in patients with acute HF (AHF) is not adequately evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the association between insomnia and subsequent clinical outcomes in patients with AHF.

METHODS

From the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry, consecutive 3414 patients hospitalized for HF who were discharged alive were divided into the 2 groups at discharge: insomnia group and non-insomnia group. We compared baseline characteristics and 1 year clinical outcomes according to the presence of insomnia. The primary outcome measure was all-cause death.

RESULTS

There were 330 patients (9.7%) and 3084 patients (90.3%) with and without insomnia, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, brain-type natriuretic peptide above median value at discharge (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.08-2.10, P = 0.02) and the presence of oedema at discharge (OR = 4.23, 95% CI = 2.95-6.07, P < 0.001) were positively associated with insomnia at discharge, whereas diuretics at discharge (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.39-0.90, P = 0.01) were negatively associated with insomnia at discharge. The cumulative 1 year incidence of all-cause death was significantly higher in the insomnia group than in the non-insomnia group (25.1% vs. 16.2%, P < 0.001). Even after adjusting the confounders, the higher mortality risk of patients with insomnia relative to those without insomnia remained significant (HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.24-1.94; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with insomnia at discharge were associated with a higher risk of mortality than those without insomnia at discharge.

Psychosocial Interventions for Patients With Heart Failure and Their Impact on Depression, Anxiety, Quality of Life, Morbidity, and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the ability of psychosocial interventions to reduce depression and anxiety, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalization and mortality rates in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

Studies of psychosocial interventions published from 1970 to 2021 were identified through four databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane). Two authors independently conducted a focused analysis and reached a final consensus on the studies to include, followed by a quality check by a third author. A risk of bias assessment was conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were identified, but only 15 studies of mostly randomized controlled trials with a total of 1370 patients with heart failure were included in the meta-analysis. Interventions were either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or stress management. The pooled intervention effect was in favor of the intervention for depression (combined difference in standardized mean change [DSMC]: -0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.66 to -0.17; p = .001) and anxiety (combined DSMC: -0.33; 95% CI = -0.51 to -0.15; p < .001) but was only a trend for quality of life (combined DSMC: 0.14; 95% CI = -0.00 to 0.29; p = .053). Evidence was limited that interventions produced lower rates of hospitalization (5 of 5 studies showing a beneficial effect) or death (1 of 5 with a beneficial effect).

CONCLUSIONS

CBT and stress management interventions significantly reduced depression and anxiety compared with control conditions. CBT significantly improved quality of life compared with controls, but stress management did not. Longer treatment duration seemed to be an important factor related to treatment success.

Sleep Deficiency: A Symptoms Perspective: Exemplars from Chronic Heart Failure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Breast Cancer

Sleep deficiency is associated with disabling daytime symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and fatigue. The purpose of this article is to discuss the contributions of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders to fatigue and EDS among people with chronic conditions. We use exemplars from the literature on chronic heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and breast cancer to (1) describe the prevalence of fatigue and EDS and their consequences; (2) examine the evidence for the contributions of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders to these symptoms; and (3) recommend implications for future research and practice.

Sleep Disturbance and Self-management in Adults With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Qualitative Study

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often experience sleep disturbances. Little is known about sleep-management practices used to improve their sleep. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore interest in and engagement with self-management practices to promote sleep health in SAH survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 30 SAH survivors recruited from a university hospital. We conducted content analysis of interview transcripts. Three themes and 15 subcategories were identified: (1) sleep disturbances (difficulties falling asleep, wake after sleep onset, daytime sleepiness, too much or insufficient sleep, and poor sleep quality); (2) sleep-management practices (exercise, regular sleep schedule, relaxation, keeping busy and staying active, changing beverage intake, taking supplements, taking medications, recharging energy, and barriers to sleep management); and (3) consulting with healthcare providers (discussing sleep problems with healthcare providers). Self-management strategies focusing on health-promoting behaviors may improve SAH survivors' sleep health.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia has sustained effects on insomnia, fatigue, and function among people with chronic heart failure and insomnia: The HeartSleep Study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Insomnia is common among adults with chronic heart failure (HF) and associated with daytime symptoms and decrements in function. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the sustained effects over one year of CBT-I (Healthy Sleep: HS) compared with HF self-management education (Healthy Hearts; attention control: HH) on insomnia severity, sleep characteristics, symptoms, and function among people with stable HF. The primary outcomes were insomnia severity, actigraph-recorded sleep efficiency, and fatigue.

METHODS

We randomized adults with stable HF with preserved or reduced ejection fraction who had at least mild insomnia (Insomnia severity index >7) in groups to HS or HH (4 sessions/8 weeks). We obtained wrist actigraphy and measured insomnia severity, self-reported sleep characteristics, symptoms (fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, anxiety, depression), and six-minute walk distance at baseline, within one month of treatment, and at 6 and 12 months. We used general linear mixed models (GLMM) and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the effects.

RESULTS

The sample included 175 participants (M age = 63 +12.9 years; 43% women; 18% Black; 68% New York Heart Association Class II or II; 33%; LVEF < 45%) randomized to HS (n = 91) or HH (N = 84). HS had sustained effects on insomnia severity, sleep quality, self-reported sleep latency and efficiency, fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, and six-minute walk distance at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT-I produced sustained improvements in insomnia, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and objectively measured physical function among adults with chronic HF, compared with a robust HF self-management program that included sleep hygiene education.

Use of Actigraphy (Wearable Digital Sensors to Monitor Activity) in Heart Failure Randomized Clinical Trials: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Actigraphy-based measurements of physiologic parameters may enable design of patient-centric heart failure (HF) clinical trials. Recently, the Heart Failure Collaboratory focused on recommendations for meaningful change and use of actigraphy as an end point in HF clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have quantified the impact of HF interventions using actigraphy.

METHODS

Using a scoping review strategy, we evaluated the use of actigraphy in HF RCTs. Studies were identified through electronic searches of Embase, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Review. Data on trial characteristics and results were collected.

RESULTS

We identified 11 RCTs with a total of 1,455 participants. The risk of bias across the included trials was high overall. All trials had the primary outcomes reflecting measures of either physical activity (n = 8), sleep (n = 2), or both (n = 1). Five trials evaluated response to pharmacologic therapies compared with placebo, 3 evaluated physical activity interventions, 2 evaluated group or cognitive therapy, and 1 evaluated sleep-ventilation strategy. Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 619 participants. There was significant heterogeneity relating to device type, body placement site, and handling of missing actigraphy data. Duration of monitoring ranged from 48 hours to 12 weeks. None of the studies evaluating pharmacologic therapies (n = 5) demonstrated a significant improvement of actigraphy-based primary end point measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant heterogeneity in the use, methodology, and results of actigraphy-based HF RCTs. Our results highlight the need to develop, standardize, and validate actigraphy-specific outcomes for use in HF clinical trials.

Cardiovascular Complications of Sleep Disorders: A Better Night's Sleep for a Healthier Heart / From Bench to Bedside

Sleep is essential to and an integral part of life and when lacking or disrupted, a multitude of mental and physical pathologies ensue, including cardiovascular (CV) disease, which increases health care costs. Several prospective studies and meta-analyses show that insomnia, short (<7h) or long (>9h) sleep and other sleep disorders are associated with an increased risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, CV disease risk and/or mortality. The mechanisms by which insomnia and other sleep disorders lead to increased CV risk may encompass inflammatory, immunological, neuro-autonomic, endocrinological, genetic and microbiome perturbations. Guidelines are emerging that recommend a target of >7 h of sleep for all adults >18 years for optimal CV health. Treatment of sleep disorders includes cognitive-behavioral therapy considered the mainstay of non-pharmacologic management of chronic insomnia, and drug treatment with benzodiazepine receptor agonists binding to gamma aminobutyric acid type A (benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine agents) and some antidepressants. However, observational studies and meta-analyses indicate an increased mortality risk of anxiolytics and hypnotics, although bias may be involved due to confounding and high heterogeneity in these studies. Nevertheless, it seems that the risk incurred by the non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents (Z drugs) may be relatively less than the risk of anxiolytics, with evidence indicating that at least one of these agents, zolpidem, may even confer a lower risk of mortality in adjusted models. All these issues are herein reviewed.

Management of Hypnotics in Patients with Insomnia and Heart Failure during Hospitalization: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive syndrome of signs and symptoms, which has been associated to a range of comorbidities including insomnia. Acute decompensation of heart failure frequently leads to hospital admission. During hospital admission, long-term pharmacological treatments such as hypnotics can be modified or stopped.

AIM

To synthesize the scientific evidence available about the effect of withdrawing hypnotic drugs during hospital admission in patients with decompensated heart failure and insomnia.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was carried out in the following scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet and Cochrane.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

studies including a population of adults with heart failure and sleep disorders in treatment with hypnotics and admitted to hospital, studies written in English or Spanish and published until June 2020.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

studies involving children, patients admitted to intensive care and patients diagnosed with sleep apnea.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 265 documents; only nine papers met the selection criteria. The most frequently used drugs for the treatment of insomnia in patients with heart failure were benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine agonists; their secondary effects can alter perceived quality of life and increase the risk of adverse effects. Withdrawal of these drugs during hospital admission could increase the risk of delirium. Future research in this area should evaluate the management of hypnotics during hospital admission in patients with decompensated heart failure. In addition, safe and efficient non-pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of insomnia in this population should be tested and implemented.

Diagnostic accuracy and suitability of instruments that screen for obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia and sleep quality in cardiac patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of clinical guidelines recommend that all cardiac rehabilitation patients should be screened for potential sleep disorders with a validated screening instrument. There is currently no consensus on what specific tools should be used.

OBJECTIVE

To identify tools that are practical to use in the clinical environment and have high diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

We systematically searched online databases to identify patient reported outcome instruments that have been used in published research studies to assess the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in cardiac patients. In studies that provided diagnostic data, these data were extracted and verified via an evidence-based diagnostic calculator. Where sufficient numbers of studies were available, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine pooled estimates of specificity, sensitivity and diagnostic odds ratios. Selected papers were qualitatively assessed using the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD).

RESULTS

Of the 21 instruments identified, six detected likelihood of OSA, two assessed daytime sleepiness, five assessed insomnia and eight examined sleep quality. A meta-analysis of 14 studies that assessed diagnostic accuracy of moderate OSA, revealed moderate sensitivity for the Berlin Questionnaire, Sens = 0.49 (95% CI 0.45-0.52) and good sensitivity for the Stop-BANG, Sens = 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-0.96) but poor specificity at standard cut-off criteria.

CONCLUSION

There are promising practical tools available to screen patients with OSA and other sleep disorders in cardiac rehabilitation settings, but specificity could be improved. Additional assessment of sleep quality may enhance prognostic ability with both OSA and insomnia screening.

Day-to-day Relationships between Physical Activity and Sleep Characteristics among People with Heart Failure and Insomnia

OBJECTIVE

Examine the bidirectional relationships between within-person day-to-day fluctuations in physical activity (PA) and sleep characteristics among people with heart failure (HF) and insomnia.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-seven community-dwelling adults [median age 61.9 (interquartile range 55.3,70.9) years, female 41%] with stable HF and insomnia (insomnia severity index >7).

METHODS

This sub-study longitudinally analyzed 15 consecutive days and nights of wrist actigraphy recordings, that were collected for baseline data prior to participation in a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. We used two-level mixed models of within- (daily) and between-participants variation to predict daytime PA counts/minutes from sleep variables (total sleep time, sleep efficiency) and predict sleep variables from PA.

RESULTS

PA counts/minutes were low compared to prior cohorts that did not have HF (209 (166,259)) and negatively associated with NYHA class (standardized coefficient β_s = -0.14, p < .01), age (β_s = -0.13, p = .01), comorbidities (β_s = -0.19, p < .01), and body mass index (β_s = -0.12, p = .04). After adjustment for all significant covariates, the within-participant association of total sleep time with next-day PA was estimated to be positive among participants with NYHA class II-IV HF (β_s = 0.09, p = .01), while the within-participant association of PA with same-night total sleep time was estimated to be positive among participants aged ≥60 years (β_s = 0.10, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Depending upon age and HF class, daytime PA was associated with longer same-night sleep and/or longer sleep was associated with greater next-day PA. Among those with more advanced HF, realistic sleep improvements were associated with clinically meaningful PA gains the next day.

Perceived Stress, Subjective, and Objective Symptoms of Disturbed Sleep in Men and Women with Stable Heart Failure

Objective/Background: Sleep disturbance is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Stress also affects health and quality of life among patients with cardiovascular disease and likely plays a prominent role in HF. However, little is known about the associations between stress and sleep among HF patients.Participants: One hundred fifty-three stable New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification I-IV HF patients with at least low symptoms of insomnia (M_age:63.0 ± 12.8, 42% Women).Methods: We examined baseline stress, sleep disturbance, and sleep-related characteristics from a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, including the Perceived Stress Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Sleep Disturbance Questionnaire, Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep Scale, PROMIS Cognitive Ability, SF-36 Mental Health, and wrist actigraphy. We used Pearson correlations and general linear models to assess stress-sleep associations, including the potential moderating effects of sex and symptom severity (NYHA).Results: There were moderate-to-large correlations between stress and self-reported sleep disturbance, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, cognitive ability, and mental health (p's < 0.01). High stress was associated with more objectively-measured (i.e., actigraph-assessed) awakenings and sleep fragmentation among women than men (β = - 0.04, p < 0.01; β = - 0.71, p = 0.04). Relationships between stress and objectively-measured sleep did not vary by symptom severity.Conclusions: Perceived stress is related to sleep disturbance among HF patients, and effects may be sex-dependent. Subsequent research should determine the temporal links between sleep and stress, and optimal opportunities for intervention among HF patients.

Sleep Quality in Patients with Heart Failure in the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Heart failure is a major problem in western societies. Sleep Disorders maintain a bidirectional relationship with heart failure, as shown by studies conducted in other countries. This study aims to describe the quality of sleep in Spanish patients with heart failure. Materials and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study to analyze the quality of sleep in a sample of 203 patients with a diagnosis of heart failure admitted to an Internal Medicine Service. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality in our sample over a one-month period. Results: 75% of the sample presented sleep disorders. The most common problems included the interruption of sleep (73.5% nocturia and 30% breathing difficulties); 35% had poor sleep efficiency; 33% showed a decrease in daytime performance; 84% had used hypnotics at some point to induce sleep and 35% used them regularly. Conclusions: This is the first study to report on the perceived sleep quality of patients with heart failure in Spain. Self-perception of sleep quality differed from that estimated by the PSQI. The prevalence of the use of sleep-inducing medication was very high. The diurnal dysfunction generated by sleep disorders in a heart failure environment can contribute to the development of self-care and cognitive deterioration problems.

Insomnia and Insomnia Symptoms in Persons With Heart Failure: An Integrative Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Insomnia and insomnia symptoms are highly prevalent in persons with heart failure (HF), and they are associated with several untoward outcomes. The purpose of this integrative review is to describe the correlates, predictors, and outcomes of insomnia and insomnia symptoms in persons with HF.

METHODS

Using integrative review methods, an extensive electronic search of 5 databases was conducted for the period of 2000-2019. Sixteen studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria for review and investigated insomnia or insomnia symptoms in HF.

RESULTS

Various sociodemographic factors, chronic comorbidities, clinical factors, and cognitive-behavioral factors are correlates and predictors of insomnia and insomnia symptoms in persons with HF. Depression, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, poor self-reported physical functioning, decreased exercise capacity, cardiac events, and poor health-related quality of life are significant outcomes of insomnia and insomnia symptoms in persons with HF. The associations of insomnia and insomnia symptoms with age, sex, sleep-disordered breathing, and cognition were not consistent across all studies.

CONCLUSION

Larger studies with diverse age and race groups as well as longitudinal studies and designs that test mediation effects are needed to disentangle complex relationships between insomnia and insomnia symptoms and several of their potential predictors and correlates in HF.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Tailored to Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Pre-Post Study

Objective: There is little research assessing the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), even less on the effects of CBT-I on CVD risk factors such as anxiety and depression, and to our knowledge, only limited studies of the efficacy of CBT-I protocols with cardiac disease-specific modifications. The objective of this study is to evaluate a group-based CBT-I intervention tailored to patients with CVD on sleep quality, duration, and mental health. Participants: A sample of 47 participants (25 men) diagnosed with primary insomnia were included in this study. Methods: This study used a pre-post design comparing outcomes before and after a group intervention. Clinicians in a cardiac center referred CVD patients with self-reported sleep disturbance to the intervention group. Following screening and confirmation of insomnia disorder, participants completed a six-week CBT-I group-based intervention tailored for patients with CVD. Participants completed sleep diaries and questionnaires, including the Insomnia Severity Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, pre- and postintervention. Results: Participants' sleep outcomes (sleep duration, maintenance, efficiency, latency, and quality) were significantly improved and patients reported significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia following the CBT-I intervention (p values < .05). Conclusions: After participating in a CBT-I group intervention tailored for cardiac patients, patients reported improved sleep and significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression. Randomized trials of this intervention are warranted.

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Sleep, Symptoms, Stress, and Autonomic Function Among Patients With Heart Failure

Background: Insomnia is common among patients with stable heart failure (HF) and associated with inflammation and altered autonomic function. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on the Hypothalamic Pituitary (HPA) Axis, autonomic function, inflammation, and circadian rhythmicity and the associations between these biomarkers and insomnia, sleep characteristics, symptoms, functional performance, and sleep-related cognitions. Methods: We conducted a subanalysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT, NCT02827799) whose primary aim was to test the effects of CBT-I on insomnia. We randomized 51 patients with stable Class II-IV HF to CBT-I (n = 30) or attention control (n = 21). Participants completed wrist actigraphy and self-reported insomnia severity, sleep characteristics, sleep-related cognitions, daytime symptoms, and functional performance. We measured day and nighttime urinary free cortisol, melatonin sulfate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine at baseline, and two weeks after CBT-I and computed general linear models and partial correlations. Results: CBT-I had no effects on the biomarkers, but there were statistically significant negative cross-sectional correlations between the ratio of day and night urinary free cortisol and sleep disturbance, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and negative sleep cognitions. Increases in the ratio between day and night cortisol were associated with statistically significant improvements in fatigue, depression, sleep duration, and sleep-related cognitions. Conclusions: Biomarkers of stress and autonomic function are associated with sleep, sleep-related symptoms, and cognitions among people with chronic HF. Future studies are needed to identify potential causal relationships and the impact of sleep interventions.

Psychological Disorders in Heart Failure

The occurrence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia is strikingly high in patients with heart failure and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. However, symptoms are frequently unrecognized and the integration of mental health into cardiology care plans is not routine. This article describes the prevalence, identification, and treatment of common comorbid psychological disorders.

Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Adults With Asthma: A Pilot Study

Background/Objective: Insomnia is common among adults with asthma and is associated with worse asthma control. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for insomnia with medical comorbidities, but it has not been tested in asthma. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet-based CBT-I intervention, called Sleep Healthy Using the Internet (SHUTi), among adults with asthma and comorbid insomnia, and to gather preliminary efficacy data on changes in insomnia severity, sleep quality, asthma control, and asthma-related quality of life. Methods: A single-group, pretest-posttest design was employed, where all participants completed the SHUTi program. Online questionnaires were completed pre- and postintervention. Individual telephone interviews were conducted after posttreatment data collection to obtain participants' experiences with SHUTi and suggestions for improvement. Results: The sample (N = 23) comprised men and women aged 18-75 years with moderate to severe, not well-controlled asthma, and comorbid insomnia. Nineteen (83%) completed postintervention assessments. Improvements on the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Asthma Control Test, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnair-Marks were observed at postintervention. Data from the telephone interviews suggest that most participants had a positive experience with SHUTi. Participants suggested incorporating asthma-specific content into future versions of the intervention. Conclusions: Internet-based CBT-I is a potential treatment option for adults with asthma and comorbid insomnia.

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Sleep-Related Cognitions Among Patients With Stable Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improves insomnia and fatigue among chronic heart failure (HF) patients, but the extent to which sleep-related cognitions explain CBT-I outcomes in these patients is unknown. We examined the effects of CBT-I on sleep-related cognitions, associations between changes in sleep-related cognitions and changes in sleep and symptoms after CBT-I, and the extent to which cognitions mediated the effects of CBT-I.

PARTICIPANTS

Stable New York Heart Association Class II-III HF patients (total n = 51; n = 26 or 51.0% women; M age = 59.1 ± 15.1 years).

METHODS

HF patients were randomized in groups to group CBT-I (n = 30) or attention control (HF self-management education, n = 21) and completed actigraphy, the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS) and Sleep Disturbance Questionnaires (SDQ), and self-reported fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleepiness (baseline, immediately after treatment, six months). We used mixed-effects modeling, mediation analysis with a bootstrapping approach, and Pearson correlations.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant group × mult time effect on DBAS. DBAS mediated the effects of CBT-I on insomnia severity and partially mediated CBT-I effects on fatigue. Improvements in dysfunctional cognitions were associated with improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, sleep latency and decreased fatigue, depression, and anxiety, with sustained effects at six months.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions is an important mechanism for CBT-I effects among HF patients who are especially vulnerable to poor sleep and high symptom burden.

Smartphone Applications to Support Sleep Self-Management: Review and Evaluation

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Mobile health (mHealth) tools such as smartphone applications (apps) have potential to support sleep self-management. The objective of this review was to identify the status of available consumer mHealth apps targeted toward supporting sleep self-management and assess their functionalities.

METHODS

We searched four mobile app stores (iTunes Appstore, Android Google Play, Amazon Appstore, and Microsoft Appstore) using the terms "sleep", "sleep management," "sleep monitoring," and "sleep tracking." Apps were evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality scores.

RESULTS

We identified 2,431 potentially relevant apps, of which 73 met inclusion criteria. Most apps were excluded because they were unrelated to sleep self-management, simply provided alarm service, or solely played relaxation sounds in an attempt to improve sleep. The median overall MARS score was 3.1 out of 5, and more than half of apps (42/73, 58%) had a minimum acceptability score of 3.0. The apps had on average 7 functions based on the IMS functionality criteria (range 2 to 11). A record function was present in all apps but only eight had the function to intervene. About half of the apps (33/73, 45%) collected data automatically using embedded sensors, 27 apps allowed the user to manually enter sleep data, and 14 apps supported both types of data recording.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that few apps meet prespecified criteria for quality, content, and functionality for sleep self-management. Despite the rapid evolution of sleep self-management apps, lack of validation studies is a significant concern that limits the clinical value of these apps.

Effects of cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on depression, quality of life, hospitalisations and mortality in heart failure patients. The search strategy was developed for Ovid MEDLINE and modified accordingly to search the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and CINAHL. Databases were searched from inception to 6 March 2016 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies that used CBT in heart failure patients with depression or depressive symptoms. Six studies were identified: 5 RCTs and 1 observational study, comprising 320 participants with predominantly NYHA classes II-III, who were mostly male, with mean age ranging from 55 to 66 years. Compared to usual care, CBT was associated with a greater improvement in depression scores both initially after CBT sessions (standardised mean difference -0.34, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.08, p = 0.01) and at 3 months follow-up (standardised mean difference -0.32, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.04, p = 0.03). Greater improvement in quality of life scores was evident for the CBT group initially after CBT sessions, but with no difference at 3 months. Hospital admissions and mortality were similar, regardless of treatment group. CBT may be more effective than usual care at improving depression scores and quality of life for heart failure patients initially following CBT and for depression at 3 months. Larger and more robust RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term clinical effects of CBT in heart failure patients.

Sleep Disturbance, Daytime Symptoms, and Functional Performance in Patients With Stable Heart Failure: A Mediation Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is common among patients with heart failure (HF) who also experience symptom burden and poor functional performance.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the extent to which sleep-related, daytime symptoms (fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, and depressive symptoms) mediate the relationship between sleep disturbance and functional performance among patients with stable HF.

METHODS

We recruited patients with stable HF for this secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, observational study. Participants completed unattended ambulatory polysomnography from which the Respiratory Disturbance Index was calculated, along with a Six-Minute Walk Test, questionnaires to elicit sleep disturbance (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Symptoms from the Sleep Habits Questionnaire), daytime symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Global Fatigue Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and self-reported functional performance (Medical Outcomes Study SF36 V2 Physical Function Scale). We used structural equation modeling with latent variables for the key analysis. Follow-up, exploratory regression analysis with bootstrapped samples was used to examine the extent to which individual daytime symptoms mediated effects of sleep disturbance on functional performance after controlling for clinical and demographic covariates.

RESULTS

The sample included 173 New York Heart Association Class I-IV HF patients (n = 60/34.7% women; M = 60.7, SD = 16.07 years of age). Daytime symptoms mediated the relationship between sleep disturbance and functional performance. Fatigue and depression mediated the relationship between insomnia symptoms and self-reported functional performance, whereas fatigue and sleepiness mediated the relationship between sleep quality and functional performance. Sleepiness mediated the relationship between the respiratory index and self-reported functional performance only in people who did not report insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime symptoms explain the relationships between sleep disturbance and functional performance in stable HF.

Sleep to Lower Elevated Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial (SLEPT)

BACKGROUND

Impaired sleep quality is common and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), thought to be mediated through adverse effects on established vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension. We determined if a web-delivered sleep intervention (sleep-hygiene education, stimulus control, and cognitive behavioral therapy) reduces blood pressure compared to vascular risk factor education (standard care) alone.

METHODS

Phase II randomized, blinded, controlled trial of 134 participants without CVD with mild sleep impairment and blood pressure 130-160/<110 mm Hg. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean change in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 8 weeks between intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included measures of sleep quality and psychosocial health, namely Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

RESULTS

Participants in the sleep intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in sleep quality, including ISI [difference in mean improvement 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-4.4], PSQI (1.1; 95% CI, 0.1-2.2), sleep condition indicator (0.8; 95% CI, 0.2-1.4), and psychosocial health, including BDI (2.0; 95% CI, 0.3-3.7) and BAI (1.4; 95% CI, 0.02-2.8). The mean improvement in 24-hour ambulatory SBP did not differ between the sleep intervention (0.9 mm Hg) and control (0.8 mm Hg) arms, (difference in mean improvement 0.1; 95% CI, -3.4 to 3.2).

CONCLUSION

A simple, low-cost, web-delivered sleep intervention is feasible and significantly improves sleep quality and measures of psychosocial health in individuals with mild sleep impairment but does not result in short-term improvements in blood pressure.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in stable heart failure: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic insomnia is associated with disabling symptoms and decrements in functional performance. It may contribute to the development of heart failure (HF) and incident mortality. In our previous work, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), compared to HF self-management education, provided as an attention control condition, was feasible, acceptable, and had large effects on insomnia and fatigue among HF patients.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the sustained effects of group CBT-I compared with HF self-management education (attention control) on insomnia severity, sleep characteristics, daytime symptoms, symptom clusters, functional performance, and health care utilization among patients with stable HF. We will estimate the cost-effectiveness of CBT-I and explore the effects of CBT-I on event-free survival (EFS).

METHODS

Two hundred participants will be randomized in clusters to a single center parallel group (CBT-I vs. attention control) RCT. Wrist actigraphy and self-report will elicit insomnia, sleep characteristics, symptoms, and functional performance. We will use the psychomotor vigilance test to evaluate sleep loss effects and the Six Minute Walk Test to evaluate effects on daytime function. Medical record review and interviews will elicit health care utilization and EFS. Statistical methods will include general linear mixed models and latent transition analysis. Stochastic cost-effectiveness analysis with a competing risk approach will be employed to conduct the cost-effectiveness analysis.

DISCUSSION

The results will be generalizable to HF patients with chronic comorbid insomnia and pave the way for future research focused on the dissemination and translation of CBT-I into HF settings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in the Context of Cardiovascular Conditions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with high levels of morbidity, disability and poor quality of life. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms and diagnosis of insomnia are high among those with CVD. Although insomnia appears to be important to CVD, less is known about the effects of insomnia treatment on important biological, sleep, symptom, quality of life, functional and morbidity or mortality outcomes in people with or at-risk for CVD. The purposes of this paper are to review the literature on the effects of CBT-I on insomnia, sleep, daytime symptoms, function, and biological outcomes in the context of CVD and to suggest implications for future research and practice. Limited available evidence suggests that CBT-I improves biomarkers that may contribute to CVD risk. CBT-I shows promise as a way to improve cardiovascular morbidity associated with the negative biological consequences of chronic insomnia, as well as symptom burden, functional performance and quality of life in the large population of people who are living with chronic CVD and insomnia. Additional research is needed to answer basic questions about short and long term outcomes, the role of biomarkers, and optimal delivery methods of CBT-I in cardiac conditions.