MindMInC (mindfulness intervention for insomnia, mood, and cognition): a digital randomized control trial protocol for improving sleep and wellbeing in older adults.

Abstract

Sleep difficulty is prevalent in aging populations but can be challenging to treat due to the barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments. Further, 30-40 per cent of individuals with insomnia do not benefit from first-line treatments, making it important to consider viable alternatives. This protocol details a trial to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a digital mindfulness intervention in improving sleep and well-being in older adults. Older adults aged 55 and above (n = 106) recruited into the trial will be randomly allocated to either a sleep hygiene program (n = 53) or a mindfulness intervention program (n = 53). Participants in both programs will engage in 6-week, self-directed, digital programs. They will be assessed for their sleep and well-being via self-report outcomes. Primary (Insomnia Severity Index) and secondary outcomes at the baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up will be compared in linear mixed models to inform efficacy. Feasibility will be evaluated through attrition and participant feedback on the exit questionnaire. Results may help inform the viability of an online, widely disseminable approach to improving older adult sleep health in the community. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry #ACTRN12623000839606).