Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (i-Sleep Autism) reduces insomnia severity in autistic adults.
In a randomized controlled trial of 163 autistic adults with insomnia, i-Sleep Autism significantly reduced insomnia severity at mid-intervention and post-test compared to waitlist control (d = 1.02, 95% CI [0.65, 1.40]). At post-test, 37.8% of the intervention group versus 11.1% of the control group showed clinically meaningful improvement, and effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up.
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Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (i-Sleep Autism) reduces insomnia severity in autistic adults. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 58/100 (low).
The Claim
Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (i-Sleep Autism) reduces insomnia severity in autistic adults.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Autistic adults (n=163) with insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 10)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effectiveness of Guided Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Autistic Adults (i-Sleep Autism): a Randomized Controlled Trial. (Sleep, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Cognitive behavioral therapy targets maladaptive sleep beliefs and behaviors
- ▸Internet delivery provides accessible, structured self-help modules
- ▸Guided support enhances adherence and personalization for autistic adults
- ▸Result: Reduced insomnia severity and improved quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Autistic adults (n=163) with insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 10).
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only 50% of intervention group completed all five modules, indicating high dropout
- ▸No significant effects on anxiety, depression, or daily functioning were found
- ▸Waitlist control design may overestimate treatment effects due to expectancy bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is i-Sleep Autism?▼
i-Sleep Autism is a 5-week guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia adapted for autistic adults, co-created with autistic individuals.
How effective is i-Sleep Autism for insomnia in autistic adults?▼
It significantly reduces insomnia severity with a large effect size (d = 1.02) compared to waitlist control, and 37.8% of participants showed clinically meaningful improvement at post-test.
Does i-Sleep Autism improve anxiety or depression?▼
No significant effects were found for anxiety, depression, or daily functioning in this study.
Are the effects of i-Sleep Autism long-lasting?▼
Yes, improvements in insomnia severity were maintained at 6-month follow-up.
References
- 1.Spaargaren KL, Begeer S, Nieuwenhuis S, Bradley J, Riper H, Greaves-Lord K, van Straten A. “Effectiveness of Guided Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Autistic Adults (i-Sleep Autism): a Randomized Controlled Trial..” Sleep, 2026. PMID: 42472472 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsag199