Grant: Operating Grant: Prevention of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

Research has shown that persons who have trouble sleeping and experience stress are at risk of developing heart diseases. Two treatments, called stimulus control instructions and sleep efficiency treatment, that do not involve sleeping pills, have been found effective in managing trouble sleeping. This study will be undertaken to find out if the two treatments are effective in improving sleep, and reducing stress and the risk of heart diseases. Persons with trouble sleeping may have a preference for either treatment. It is believed that if persons get the treatment they prefer, then they will be satisfied with the treatment and comply with it, and experience improvement in their sleep. This study will also examine the extent to which giving persons the treatment of their choice, as compared to giving persons treatment based on chance, will lead to higher satisfaction and compliance with treatment, and improved sleep. About 300 persons who experience trouble sleeping will be included in the study. They will be requested to complete a questionnaire and a sleep diary before and after they receive treatment, as well as 6 month and one year later.