Objective: Weill Cornell Sleep Center and our movement disorder team developed a treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with sleep disturbances. The goal was to help participants identify their sleep issues and equip them with practical strategies for improvement.

Background: Chronic insomnia is a common non-motor symptom of PD, worsening motor, mood, and cognitive symptoms. Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial to mitigating these effects. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is first-line treatment, offering lasting benefits with fewer risks than medication. Limited access leaves many without this effective intervention.

Method: Participants completed pre-surveys, including demographic data, the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). They attended an introductory session and up to six weekly Zoom classes (October–November 2024). Recorded sessions were available. Participants were encouraged to maintain sleep logs and/or use the free CBT-i Coach app. One week post course, post-surveys and an online focus group assessed outcomes and participant feedback.

Results: Twenty (10 F) completed the program. Mean age was 74 years (SD = 8.08, range = 49–86); mean years since diagnosis: 5  (SD = 3.36, range = 1–14); 85% retired, 5% working part-time, 10% working full-time, 40% Bachelor’s degree, 25% Master’s degree. PDSS: pre-survey mean score = 64.9 (SD = 30.13); post score mean = 83.92, (SD = 26.32); PSQI: pre-survey mean = 13.87 (SD = 7.27); post-survey mean = 12.63 (SD = 5.71). Within the PSQI, sleep efficiency scores showed the most improvement. ESS pre-survey mean = 7.62 (SD = 3.82); post-survey mean = 6.91 (SD = 3.17).  Seventy percent of participants reported increased confidence in their ability to manage sleep after the course. Participants reported tracking their symptoms, 10% used sleep logs, and 40% used the sleep app.  All app users reported ease of use. From the focus group, most appreciated discussing sleep-related questions and concerns with the instructor and peers during sessions.

Conclusion: This small study evaluated a new community program and suggested group-based CBT-I may benefit individuals with PD experiencing sleep disturbances. Larger studies with extended follow-up are needed to assess its long-term effectiveness.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/enhancing-sleep-in-parkinsons-disease-a-retrospective-study-on-group-cbt-i/