The Sleep Clinic Outcome and Practice Study: The SUP-study

Background: Sleep-wake disturbances including insomnia disorder and sleep-wake rhythm disorders disables many aspects of life and is highly prevalent. As one of few treatment options for sleep-wake disturbances, the Sleep Clinic at St. Olavs Hospital offers clinical assessments and treatment for this patient group in Norway. Although the treatment of insomnia disorder is well-described and recommended, there is still a major subgroup that to not benefit from the treatment. Additionally, treatment and outcome of sleep-wake rhythm disorders is little described in clinical settings. A study of clinical practice and outcomes of the treatments in the Sleep Clinic, would give the possibility to illuminate these knowledge gaps.

Aim: Describe the practice (timing and duration) and outcomes of the sleep treatments 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and 2) Chronotherapy for sleep-wake rhythm disorders at the Sleep Clinic at St. Olavs Hospital.

Method: All patients referred to the Sleep Clinic will be asked to participate before the first consultation with a clinician. Patients will be clinically assessed, diagnosed and given treatment as usual. Main outcomes will be self-report questionnaires at treatment termination and the use, timing and duration of specific sleep treatment components logged by the clinician during treatment.

Potential impact: The findings from this research project provides possibilities to improve treatment for sleep-wake disturbances by tailoring the treatment different to respective subgroups. The findings will also contribute to novel knowledge on how to treat patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders and to what degree they benefit from the treatment in a sleep clinic.