Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is the most effective delivery format for improving sleep outcomes in adolescents with insomnia
In a network meta-analysis of 22 RCTs involving adolescents with insomnia, web-based CBTi consistently outperformed other delivery formats (face-to-face, group-based, mobile-app-based, self-help, brief CBTi, and sleep hygiene) across most sleep outcomes. Compared to usual care, web-based CBTi improved total sleep time by 33 minutes, reduced sleep onset latency by 23 minutes, increased sleep efficiency by 7%, and reduced insomnia severity by 5 points.
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Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is the most effective delivery format for improving sleep outcomes in adolescents with insomnia The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is the most effective delivery format for improving sleep outcomes in adolescents with insomnia
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adolescents with insomnia (from 22 randomized controlled trials).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Comparative Effects of Various Modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. (Worldviews on evidence-based nursing, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Web-based CBTi delivers structured behavioral and cognitive interventions for insomnia
- ▸Interactive online modules provide psychoeducation, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and cognitive restructuring
- ▸Accessibility and convenience may improve adherence and engagement in adolescents
- ▸Result: Superior improvements in sleep continuity and insomnia severity compared to other formats
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adolescents with insomnia (from 22 randomized controlled trials)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸No significant differences were observed for wake after sleep onset (WASO) across modalities
- ▸Confidence in evidence and risk of bias were assessed but specific limitations of individual studies may affect generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is web-based CBTi?▼
Web-based CBTi is a digital delivery format of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, typically involving online modules, interactive exercises, and sometimes therapist guidance, designed to improve sleep habits and reduce insomnia symptoms.
How much did web-based CBTi improve sleep in adolescents?▼
Compared to usual care, web-based CBTi increased total sleep time by 33 minutes, reduced sleep onset latency by 23 minutes, improved sleep efficiency by 7%, and decreased insomnia severity by 5 points.
Is web-based CBTi better than face-to-face therapy for adolescent insomnia?▼
According to this network meta-analysis, web-based CBTi outperformed face-to-face, group-based, and other delivery formats across most sleep outcomes in adolescents with insomnia.
What are the limitations of this study?▼
The analysis found no significant differences between modalities for wake after sleep onset (WASO), and the confidence in evidence may be limited by risk of bias in some included studies.
References
- 1.Rohmah I, Hsieh TN, Jan YW, Hasan F, Chen YC, Widodo AF, Lee HC, Lin CJ, Chiu HY. “Comparative Effects of Various Modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis..” Worldviews on evidence-based nursing, 2026. PMID: 42439579 DOI: 10.1111/wvn.70158