Study Explores Digital Insomnia Care for Rural General Practice
29 Jul 2026
The REST UP (Research and Evaluation Study of Digital Treatment of Insomnia in Underserved Populations) study is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, with the RACGP joining as a project partner.
The research will evaluate three different approaches to managing chronic insomnia in rural general practice:
- Self-guided Bedtime Window program
- GP-guided Bedtime Window, supported by three GP consultations
- Digital sleep education followed by delayed access to the Bedtime Window program
Researchers hope the study will improve access to evidence-based insomnia treatment, reduce health inequalities and decrease reliance on benzodiazepines.
More than 3.2 million Australian adults are estimated to experience chronic insomnia, making it one of the most common reasons people visit their GP. Current Australian guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) as the first-line treatment.
However, many rural communities have limited access to clinicians trained in CBTi, creating barriers to care. The study aims to determine whether digital treatment can help bridge this gap.
The Bedtime Window program is a five-session online treatment that has previously shown improvements in sleep quality, daytime functioning, mental health and reduced use of sedative medications in Australian studies.
Co-chief investigator Dr Bianca Cannon said the program provides GPs with an evidence-based and accessible option for managing chronic insomnia. During the trial, some participants will receive additional support from their GP while completing the digital program to evaluate whether blended care delivers better outcomes.
The researchers have already received positive feedback from GPs and patients, particularly those living in rural and remote areas where treatment options are limited.
Rural and remote GPs interested in participating in the study can contact the REST UP research team.
Study Explores Digital Insomnia Care for Rural General Practice
Source: RACGP and the REST UP (Research and Evaluation Study of Digital Treatment of Insomnia in Underserved Populations) study.