O6 Managing chronic insomnia with digital, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-i) in general practice: the experience of the carillon primary care network

Introduction Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the first-line treatment for managing chronic insomnia. NICE guidelines recommend that this condition is addressed in General Practice (GP). However, access to CBT-I free of charge in England is limited, with the vast majority of therapy courses being delivered via online platforms. A primary care network (PCN) in Leicestershire (Carillon PCN, including 5 GP surgeries) offered digital CBT-I support to their patients with chronic insomnia through a two-year NHS-funded contract with the sleep improvement programme Sleepstation.Methods To evaluate the experience, a review was conducted using primary care records and outcome data provided by Sleepstation. The programme offer included personalised guidance, self-help tools, therapy, and coaching elements to support individuals experiencing chronic insomnia.Results Between April 2023 and March 2025, 201 patients were supported across the PCN; 60% self-referred. Of those assessed, 85% (170 patients) were deemed suitable and offered remote sleep support. The remaining 31 individuals were screened out and signposted to alternative care pathways.The largest proportion of referrals were aged 18-24 years, with women making up 60% of the cohort.107 patients completed a detailed sleep review and were offered high-intensity digital CBT-I therapy. By the time of review, 57% had reached a therapy endpoint. Among these, 83% showed clinically meaningful improvement in sleep outcomes, including patients with over 10 years of insomnia.Patient satisfaction was high, with an average rating of 4.4/5. No adverse events were reported at the time of the evaluation.Conclusion Digital delivery of CBT-I is a safe, effective intervention for chronic insomnia in a primary care setting. This model supports wider adoption of remote CBT-i in general practice within local insomnia pathways. Enhancing sleep medicine training for primary care clinicians is recommended to optimise referral processes and best use of resources.