Available Expert: Sleepless in Canada-New roadmap to fix insomnia care gaps
September 23, 2025
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Almost half of Canadians struggle to fall or stay asleep, and about 1 in 6 meet criteria for insomnia disorder. Insomnia increases the risk of depression, hypertension, and accidents both at work and on the road. Yet, despite limited long-term effectiveness — and real health risks — sleeping pills remain the preferred treatment.
Now, a Canadian research team led by Queen’s University sleep expert Dr. Judith Davidson has developed a stepped-care model that makes cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) — the recommended first-line treatment — far more accessible and equitable.
How it works:
Self-guided strategies form the foundation
Primary care providers and community pharmacists deliver targeted interventions
Specialized CBT-I providers and behavioural sleep experts step in only when needed
This flexible model ensures people get the right care at the right time, while also helping to reduce dependence on chronic sedative prescriptions.
The findings are published in the
To interview Dr. Davidson, contact
Julie Brown, Manager, Media Relations
brown.julie@queensu.ca
343-363-2763
Andrew Carroll, Media Relations Officer
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca
613-876-8059