Primary care management of chronic insomnia: a qualitative analysis of the attitudes and experiences of Australian general practitioners

Effects of the antipsychotic quetiapine on sleep and breathing: a review of clinical findings and potential mechanisms

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication indicated for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, quetiapine also has hypnotic properties and as such is increasingly being prescribed at low doses 'off-label' in people with insomnia symptoms. Pharmacologically, in addition to its dopaminergic properties, quetiapine also modulates multiple other transmitter systems involved in sleep/wake modulation and potentially breathing. However, very little is known about the impact of quetiapine on obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), OSA endotypes including chemosensitivity, and control of breathing. Given that many people with insomnia also have undiagnosed OSA, it is important to understand the effects of quetiapine on OSA and its mechanisms. Accordingly, this concise review covers the existing knowledge on the effects of quetiapine on sleep and breathing. Further, we highlight the pharmacodynamics of quetiapine and its potential to alter key OSA endotypes to provide potential mechanistic insight. Finally, an agenda for future research priorities is proposed to fill the current key knowledge gaps.

Diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in shift workers, with patient informed solutions to improve health services research and practice

BACKGROUND

The combination of shift work and an unmanaged sleep disorder carries health and safety risks. Yet, diagnosis rates for sleep disorders are low in shift workers. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment in shift workers, and consider patient informed solutions to improve access to health services.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Australian shift workers with a diagnosed sleep disorder. Patient journey mapping and reflexive thematic analysis were used to understand diagnosis and management experiences.

RESULTS

There were highly variable experiences with diagnosis and management, often taking >5 years to seek help from a health care provider (HCP) after noticing symptoms of a sleep disorder. Three themes were constructed, including 'the cause of the problem', 'prioritising work', and '(dis)satisfaction and (dis)connection'. Extent of patient and HCP awareness of sleep disorders, and a prevailing attitude of shift work being 'the problem' impacted diagnosis, as did organisational needs (including rostering, which had both positive and negative influences on help seeking). Relationships with HCPs were important, and living on non-standard time was both a barrier and an enabler to sleep disorder care. Participants identified the need for education and awareness, prompts and easy access to screening and referral pathways, and tailored models of care.

CONCLUSION

Education and awareness initiatives for shift workers, their employers and HCPs, together with development of a model of care for shift workers with sleep disorders may address some of the unique barriers to diagnosis and management.

Perspectives on increasing the impact and reach of CBT-I

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is now recognized as the front-line treatment for chronic insomnia, yet many challenges remain in improving its impact and reach. This manuscript describes our perspective on some of these challenges. Based on the literature that maladaptive cognitions predict low adherence and that high levels of cognitive-emotional hyperarousal may be associated with poor outcomes, we propose added focus on cognitive therapy strategies in CBT-I. Specifically, we propose broadening the range of traditional cognitive therapy strategies, utilizing acceptance-based strategies, and fuller integration of the broadened range of cognitive strategies into CBT-I throughout the course of treatment. We also highlight a few other promising emerging approaches to enhance the impact of CBT-I. These include involving partners to promote adherence with CBT-I treatment recommendations, using culturally relevant treatment adaptations to increase retention of patients in treatment, and using strategies for timely identification of barriers to engagement. We propose broadening the public health impact of CBT-I by integrating support for reduction in long-term use of hypnotic sleep medications, which is in line with current medical guidelines. We advocate for a case conceptualization-based approach for implementing CBT-I in a patient-centered manner, flexibly, yet with fidelity, to enhance its impact by addressing the factors above. For increasing the reach of CBT-I, we discuss the need to train more clinicians and ways to combine therapist and digital deliveries of CBT-I, highlighting stepped care strategies.

The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in people with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (COMISA) is a highly prevalent and debilitating sleep disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) may be an appropriate treatment for COMISA; however, no previous study has systematically reviewed and meta-analysed literature reporting on the effect of CBTi in people with COMISA. A systematic literature search was conducted across PsychINFO and PubMed (n = 295). In all, 27 full-text records were independently reviewed by at least two authors. Forward- and backward-chain referencing, and hand-searches were used to identify additional studies. Authors of potentially eligible studies were contacted to provide COMISA subgroup data. In total, 21 studies, including 14 independent samples of 1040 participants with COMISA were included. Downs and Black quality assessments were performed. A meta-analysis including nine primary studies measuring the Insomnia Severity Index indicated that CBTi is associated with a large improvement in insomnia severity (Hedges' g = -0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.35, -0.43). Subgroup meta-analyses indicated that CBTi is effective in samples with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) (five studies, Hedges' g = -1.19, 95% CI -1.77, -0.61) and treated OSA (four studies, Hedges' g = -0.55, 95% CI -0.75, -0.35). Publication bias was evaluated by examining the Funnel plot (Egger's regression p = 0.78). Implementation programmes are required to embed COMISA management pathways in sleep clinics worldwide that currently specialise in the management of OSA alone. Future research should investigate and refine CBTi interventions in people with COMISA, including identifying the most effective CBTi components, adaptations, and developing personalised management approaches for this highly prevalent and debilitating condition.

Tailoring cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia across contexts, conditions, and individuals: What do we know, where do we go?

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the front-line treatment for insomnia. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of CBT-I, it is necessary to consider how CBT-I may be tailored to different individuals. The purpose of the present review is to provide a summary of literature on tailoring CBT-I to different individuals and provide directions for future research. This review focused on the following domains of adaptation: (i) tailoring CBT-I components to individuals with comorbid mental or physical health conditions such as comorbid depression and pain; (ii) adapting CBT-I delivery for different contexts in which individuals exist, such as inpatient, educational, and different social/cultural settings, (iii) adapting CBT-I to specific individuals via case-formulation in clinical settings. We highlight current gaps in the exploration of tailored CBT-I, including a lack of research methodology to evaluate tailored interventions, a need for the integration of ongoing individualised assessment to inform treatment, and the necessary involvement of consumers and stakeholders throughout the research and treatment development process. Together, this review showed abundant adaptations in CBT-I already exist in the literature. Future research is needed in understanding when and how to apply adaptations in CBT-I and evaluate the benefits of these adaptations.

Reducing long-term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists: In-depth interview study with primary care stakeholders

AIMS

To increase our understanding of which factors contribute to long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use for insomnia in primary care, from a patients', general practitioners' (GP) and pharmacists' perspective.

DESIGN

Qualitative research following a grounded theory approach.

SETTING

Primary care in Belgium.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four participants were interviewed, including nine patients, six GPs and nine pharmacists.

MEASUREMENTS

In-depth, semistructured interviews with iterative cycles of data collection and analysis. Transcripts were analysed using the framework method. Thematic findings were interpreted in the context of the Theoretical Domains Framework.

FINDINGS

A reflexive relation was identified between views about hypnotic use at the level of society, healthcare and patients. Behaviour change appeared to depend strongly on context and social influence, including a need for supporting relationships by all stakeholders. Six key messages captured factors that contribute to long-term BZRA use for insomnia in primary care: societal beliefs as a game changer, the opportunity of nonpharmacological treatment, collaborative primary care, patient-centred goals, informed consent and self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term BZRA use for insomnia is a complex and multifaceted public health problem that is not adequately addressed in primary care at this time. Although primary care professionals in this study found discontinuation of long-term BZRA use relevant to the patient's health, many organisational and personal barriers were reported. Moreover, the current social and healthcare context is not empowering patients and professionals to reduce long-term BZRA use for insomnia. Specifically, for primary care, all stakeholders reported the need for a nonmedicalised relationship between the patient and GP to lower prescribing rates.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The Flemish Patient Platform, a patient representative organisation, assisted with recruitment by launching a call for participants in their newsletter and volunteered to disseminate the results. The call for recruitment was also published online in social media groups regarding insomnia and via posters in public pharmacies. Patients or public were not involved in designing or conducting the interview study.

Mapping the insomnia patient journey in Europe and Canada

Introduction

Insomnia affects daily functioning and overall health, and is thus associated with significant individual, societal, and economic burden. The experience of patients living with insomnia, their perception of the condition, and its impact on their quality of life is not well documented. The objective of this study was to map the patient journey in insomnia and identify unmet needs.

Methods

Participants were individuals with insomnia, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who treat insomnia, in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. Qualitative interviews (50 patients, 70 HCPs) and a quantitative survey (700 patients, 723 HCPs) were conducted to inform the patient-journey mapping and obtain information on the emotions, perceptions, and experiences of patients and HCPs.

Results

The patient journey comprises seven phases. The first defines the onset of insomnia symptoms. Phase 2 represents self-initiated behavior change to improve sleep (e.g., sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine, exercise). The next phase is characterized by use of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, which generally fail to provide lasting relief. Phase 4 describes the first HCP consultation (occurring several months to several years after onset) and typically occurs at a crisis point for the patient; patients may be looking for an immediate solution (e.g., medication), which may not align with their HCP's recommendation. The following stage comprises sleep hygiene/behavioral changes (±OTC treatment) under HCP guidance for many patients, although offering prescription treatments without a sleep hygiene stage under supervision is more common in some countries. Phase 6 describes prescription medication initiation, where patients fluctuate between relief/hopefulness and a sense of failure, while HCPs try to balance the need to provide relief for the patient while maintaining best medical practice and minimizing adverse effects. The final phase (living with long-term insomnia) represents an indefinite period during which sleep issues remain unresolved for many patients, with most of them continuing to use prescription treatments for longer than indicated and creating their own variable, self-managed regimens combining multiple modalities.

Conclusion

This patient journey analysis for insomnia revealed seven distinct phases, highlighting different touchpoints where insomnia management could be optimized.

Use of Insomnia Treatments and Discussions About Sleep with Health Professionals Among Australian Adults with Mental Health Conditions

Background

Insomnia is a common issue among individuals with mental health conditions, yet the frequency of insomnia treatment remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of probable insomnia, discussions regarding sleep with health professionals, and the utilisation of commonly delivered insomnia treatments in Australian adults diagnosed with mental health conditions.

Methods

This study represents a secondary analysis of data collected through a cross-sectional, national online survey conducted in 2019. A subset included participants (n = 624, age 18-85y) who self-reported a diagnosis of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants were classed as having probable insomnia based on self-reported symptoms and a minimum availability of 7.5 hours in bed.

Results

Among individuals with probable insomnia (n = 296, 47.4%), 64.5% (n = 191) reported discussing sleep with one or more health professionals, predominantly with general practitioners (n = 160, 83.8%). However, 35.4% (n = 105) of people with probable insomnia had not discussed their sleep with a health professional. Additionally, 35.1% (n = 104) used prescribed medication for sleep, while only 15.9% (n = 47) had used the first line recommended treatment of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in the last 12 months.

Conclusion

Although most participants who met the criteria for probable insomnia had engaged in discussions about sleep with health professionals, utilisation of first line recommended treatment was low. Interventions that promote routine assessment of sleep and first line treatment for insomnia by health professionals would likely benefit people with mental health conditions.

Subjective versus objective sleep outcomes in older adults with and without uncoupled sleep following online cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia

BACKGROUND

Uncoupled sleep is a phenomenon characterised by a disconnect between sleep pattern and sleep complaint. This study examined the impact of uncoupled sleep on dysfunctional sleep beliefs and objective and subjective sleep outcomes in community-dwelling older adults following digitally delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to assess how these groups respond to CBT-I.

METHODS

Objective sleep was measured using wrist actigraphy, subjective sleep quality via sleep diaries and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Dysfunctional sleep beliefs were assessed by the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep scale (DBAS-16). All measurements were taken prior to and following a 4-week online CBT-I program. Linear mixed model and generalised linear mixed model analyses were conducted to examine objective and subjective sleep onset latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings as well as PSQI and DBAS-16 scores, respectively.

RESULTS

Out of 80 enrolled participants, 62 participants (55 females, 89%; 16 complaining good sleepers, 26 complaining poor sleepers, 11 non-complaining good sleepers, and nine non-complaining poor sleepers) completed the study. CBT-I reduced dysfunctional sleep beliefs across all sleeper classifications. Objective and self-reported changes in sleep parameters were demonstrated in complaining poor sleepers without uncoupled sleep. Complaining good sleepers with uncoupled sleep only reported a decrease in the number of subjective sleep awakenings. There were no changes in sleep outcomes in non-complaining good and non-complaining poor sleepers.

CONCLUSIONS

Online CBT-I was effective in improving the sleep outcomes of individuals who had both subjective and objective poor sleep. However, as the online CBT-I reduced dysfunctional sleep beliefs in all sleep groups, further examination of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and whether they mediate the outcomes of digital CBT-I in older adults will need to be conducted.

Trends and patterns of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs prescriptions in Australian general practice: A national study (2011-2018)

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to explore trends and sociodemographic patterns in benzodiazepine (BZD) (by half-life) and Z-drugs prescribing in Australian general practice.

METHODS

This open cohort study used de-identified electronic health records of 1.4 million patients (50,812,413 consultations) from 402 Australian practices (MedicineInsight 2011-2018). Annual prescribing frequency and changes over time were estimated according to sex, age, socioeconomic position and rurality.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2018, the prescribing of very short-acting BZD increased from 0.10 to 0.29 per 1000 consultations (average annual change +17.2% [95% CI 9.6; 25.3]), while it declined for short-intermediate (from 38.5 to 26.6 per 1000 consultations; annual change -5.1% [95% CI -5.6; -4.5]), long-acting BZD (from 24.1 to 21.6 per 1000 consultation; annual change -1.5% [95% CI -2.2; -0.8]) and Z-drugs (from 4.6 to 4.0 per 1000 consultations; annual change -1.9% [95% CI -3.0; -0.7]). Short-intermediate-acting BZD prescribing was three times more frequent among women aged 65+ years than younger women, and long-acting BZD three-to-four times more likely among younger than older men. Z-drugs prescribing was higher among women aged 45-64 years than younger or older females. Short-intermediate- and long-acting BZD were more likely prescribed for patients from more disadvantaged areas, and Z-drugs in more advantaged areas. There were no disparities by rurality.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Although most BZD and Z-drugs prescriptions declined over time, short-intermediate BZD prescriptions remained higher among older women and long-acting BZD more frequent among younger men, especially for those living in more disadvantaged areas. Targeted interventions could reduce the prescribing of BZD and Z-drugs in these groups.

Barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nurse-delivered chronic disease management within general practice: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to identify the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nurse-delivered models of care for chronic diseases to inform the development and evaluation of nurse-delivered models of care for chronic sleep disorders.

INTRODUCTION

Increasing prevalence of sleep disorders and subsequent demand for specialist-led sleep services has prompted investigation into the management of uncomplicated sleep disorders by general practitioners. Models of sleep health care with enhanced roles for general practice nurses have been investigated within the context of randomized controlled trials; however, it is unclear how best to implement these models into clinical practice. With limited research exploring the implementation of nurse-delivered models of sleep health care within general practice, this review will examine the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nurse-delivered models of care for chronic disease. This will inform the integration of new nurse-delivered models of care for chronic sleep disorders into routine general practice.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies that report barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nurse-delivered models of care for chronic diseases for adults into a general practice setting will be included.

METHODS

Six databases will be searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Emcare. The search will be limited to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. Studies will be included if they contain data that report on barriers and facilitators for implementation of nurse-delivered models of care for chronic diseases. This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI approach to mixed methods convergent integrated systematic reviews.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42021273346.

The Role of Dysfunctional Sleep Beliefs in Mediating the Outcomes of Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Single-Group, Nonrandomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Sleeping well is an essential part of good health. Older adult populations report a high rate of sleep problems, with recent studies suggesting that cognitive processes as well as behavioral and hyperarousal-related mechanisms could be important factors in the development and maintenance of insomnia. Individuals who have an asynchronous or uncoupled sleep pattern and sleep appraisal-those who complain about their sleep but do not have poor sleep quality, and vice versa-might show differences in subjective sleep and sleep perceptions and other characteristics that could impact their treatment outcomes following cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this protocol is to describe the rationale and methods for a nonrandomized, single-arm trial assessing objective and subjective sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults aged 60-80 years with synchronous sleep patterns and sleep appraisal compared to those in older adults with asynchronous sleep patterns and sleep appraisal. The trial will further examine the role of cognitive, behavioral, and hyperarousal processes in mediating the treatment outcomes of web-based CBT-I.

METHODS

This trial aims to recruit a sample of 60 participants, who will be assigned to 1 of 4 sleep groups based on their sleep pattern and sleep appraisal status: complaining good sleepers, complaining poor sleepers, noncomplaining good sleepers, and noncomplaining poor sleepers, respectively. The trial will be completed in 2 phases: phase 1 will assess objective sleep (measured via wrist actigraphy) and subjective (self-reported) sleep. Phase 2 will investigate the impact of a web-based CBT-I program on the sleep outcomes of individuals with uncoupled sleep compared to that of individuals without uncoupled sleep, as well as the mediators of CBT-I.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in March 2020, and the last participants were recruited by March 2021. A total of 65 participants completed phases 1 and 2. Data analysis for phase 1 was finished in December 2021, and data analysis for phase 2 was finalized in July 2022. The results for phase 1 were submitted for publication in March 2022, and those for phase 2 will be submitted by the end of December 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will provide guidance on factors that contribute to the variability of sleep in older adults and their sleep outcomes following CBT-I. The outcomes of this study could be valuable for future research attempting to tailor CBT-I to individual needs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001509156; https://tinyurl.com/69hhdu2w.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/32705.

Attitudes and Difficulties Associated with Benzodiazepine Discontinuation

Long-term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZDs) may depend on clinicians' BZD discontinuation strategies. We aimed to explore differences in strategies and difficulties with BZD discontinuation between psychiatrists and non-psychiatrists and to identify factors related to difficulties with BZD discontinuation. Japanese physicians affiliated with the Japan Primary Care Association, All Japan Hospital Association, and Japanese Association of Neuro-Psychiatric Clinics were surveyed on the following items: age group, specialty (psychiatric or otherwise), preferred time to start BZD reduction after improvement in symptoms, methods used to discontinue, difficulties regarding BZD discontinuation, and reasons for the difficulties. We obtained 962 responses from physicians (390 from non-psychiatrists and 572 from psychiatrists), of which 94.0% reported difficulty discontinuing BZDs. Non-psychiatrists had more difficulty with BZD discontinuation strategies, while psychiatrists had more difficulty with symptom recurrence/relapse and withdrawal symptoms. Psychiatrists used more candidate strategies in BZD reduction than non-psychiatrists but initiated BZD discontinuation after symptom improvement. Logistic regression analysis showed that psychosocial therapy was associated with less difficulty in BZD discontinuation (odds ratio, 0.438; 95% confidence interval, 0.204-0.942; p = 0.035). Educating physicians about psychosocial therapy may alleviate physicians' difficulty in discontinuing BZDs and reduce long-term BZD prescriptions.

Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; a qualitative study of GPs

OBJECTIVE

To explore general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening (CCS) for women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive study involving semi-structured interviews, with interview guide informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

SETTING

Adelaide, South Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve GPs with experience in providing CCS to women from CALD backgrounds participated.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged: 'importance of clinician-patient relationship', 'patients' cultural understanding regarding health care and CCS', 'communication and language' and 'health system related'. Each theme had several subthemes. GPs' professional relationship with their patients and repeated advice from other clinicians, together with the provision of opportunistic CCS, were described as facilitators, and encompassed the theme of 'importance of clinician-patient relationship'. This theme also raised the possibility of self-collection human papilloma virus tests. Lack of awareness and knowledge, lower priority for cancer screening and patients' individual circumstances contributed to the theme of 'patients' cultural understanding regarding health care and CCS', and often acted as barriers to CCS. 'Communication and language' consisted of language difficulties, interpreter use and use of appropriate resources. Language difficulties were a barrier to the provision of CCS, and GPs used interpreters and written handouts to help overcome this. The theme of 'health system related' involved the increased time needed for CCS consults for CALD women, access to appointments, funding, health promotion and effective use of practice management software.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that multiple, inter-related barriers and facilitators influence CALD women's engagement with CCS, and that GPs needed to manage all of these factors in order to encourage CCS participation. More efforts are needed to address the barriers to ensure that GPs have access to appropriate resources, and CALD patients have access to GPs they trust.

Assessment, referral and management of obstructive sleep apnea by Australian general practitioners: a qualitative analysis

Background

The high and increasing demand for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) care has exceeded the capacity of specialist sleep services prompting consideration of whether general practitioners could have an enhanced role in service delivery. However, little is known about the current involvement, experiences and attitudes of Australian general practitioners towards OSA. The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of Australian general practitioners’ experiences and opinions regarding their care of patients with OSA to inform the design and implementation of new general practice models of care.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with maximum variation in age, experience and location. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Results

Three major themes were identified: (1) General practitioners are important in recognising symptoms of OSA and facilitating a diagnosis by others; (2) Inequities in access to the assessment and management of OSA; and (3) General practitioners currently have a limited role in the management of OSA.

Conclusions

When consulting with patients with symptoms of OSA, general practitioners see their primary responsibility as providing a referral for diagnosis by others. General practitioners working with patients in areas of greater need, such as rural/remote areas and those of socio-economic disadvantage, demonstrated interest in being more involved in OSA management. Inequities in access to assessment and management are potential drivers for change in future models of care for OSA in general practice.

Implementation of a digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia pathway in primary care

Background Insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating disorder commonly managed by family physicians. Insomnia guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) as the 'first-line' treatment. However, family physicians report limited time, knowledge, access, support, and referral options to manage patients with CBTi. Consequently, many patients with insomnia are prescribed potentially harmful and addictive sedative-hypnotic medicines (e.g. benzodiazepines). Family physicians require an insomnia management pathway that is specifically tailored to the guideline-recommendations, time demands, and capacity of family practice. Methods This mixed-methods implementation trial will test the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a comprehensive digital insomnia management pathway in family practice. This novel pathway includes digital recruitment of family physicians, automatic identification of patients whose electronic medical records contain recent sedative-hypnotic prescriptions using a software management pathway and real-time notifications prompting physicians to refer patients to a well-established digital CBTi program. At least 10 family physicians and 375 patients with insomnia will be recruited. Physicians will be provided with an eBook to guide gradual sedative-hypnotic withdrawal. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed from the perspective of patients and physicians. Effectiveness will be determined by co-primary outcomes: cessation of sedative-hypnotic use, and improvement in self-reported insomnia symptoms from baseline to 12-month follow-up. Analysis of trends in costs, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be conducted from a societal perspective. Results and discussion This implementation trial will pave the way for future scaling-up of this insomnia management pathway to improve access to CBTi and reduce reliance on sedative-hypnotic medicines in family practice. Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN12619001539123).