0912 Adolescent Perspectives on Insomnia Treatment: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract Introduction Insomnia is common during adolescence and can negatively affect physical, socio-emotional, and academic functioning. Treatments for insomnia exist but may not be acceptable or feasible for teens. This study explores perceptions about sleep treatment needs and preferences among adolescents with insomnia. Methods Adolescents (n = 1,990, aged 13-18) who endorsed insomnia symptoms were recruited via social media from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Participants completed a survey about insomnia treatment preferences and responded to an open-ended question asking, “In your own words, tell us how you would most like to get help with your insomnia.” Responses were then qualitatively coded into non-mutually exclusive categories using rapid qualitative analysis. Inter-rater agreement was 91%. Results Three common themes emerged in response to the open-ended question about how adolescents would most like their insomnia to be treated: 1) Medication (n = 726, endorsed by 36% of respondents), 2) Talking to someone, (e.g., a therapist; n = 455, 23%), and 3) Anything that works (n = 179, 9%). Other categories within the healthcare context included Talking to a doctor (n = 73, 4%) and Getting a sleep study (n = 25, 1%). Self-help programs of differing modalities including phone applications, websites, text services, and workbooks, were also preferred by some adolescents (n = 155, 8%). Respondents further expressed interest in Relaxation strategies (e.g., learning ways to reduce anxiety, manage distressing thoughts before bed, or learn relaxation, meditation, or stress reduction techniques; n = 118, 6%). Education or advice on sleep (n = 99, 5%) and Research on the causes of insomnia (n = 51, 3%) also emerged as themes. Conclusion This study is the first to examine treatment preferences in a large, international sample of adolescents with insomnia. Although medication was the most frequently identified approach, adolescents’ preferences varied greatly and revealed openness to non-medication strategies such as counseling or relaxation strategies. Support (if any)