Key points from article :
NICE has recommended Sleepio as an effective alternative to sleeping pills.
By using Sleepio, economic analysis found lower healthcare costs mostly due to fewer GP appointments and sleeping pills prescribed.
Sleepio app uses an AI algorithm to provide people with tailored digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
A digital six-week self-help programme involving a sleep test, weekly interactive CBT-I sessions and a daily sleep diary.
Cognitive interventions improve the way a person thinks about sleep; behavioural interventions promote a healthy sleep routine.
People can also fully access the programme for 12 months at their own pace and revisit sessions if they wish.
Participants can access electronic library articles, online tools and user community for support.
12 randomised controlled trials showed that Sleepio is more effective than sleep hygiene and sleeping pills.
The cost of Sleepio is £45 (excluding VAT) per person who starts session 1 of the Sleepio programme.
A medical assessment should be done before referral to Sleepio during pregnancy and in people with comorbidities.
