0175 Parental Implementation of CBTi for Pediatric Insomnia: Components Tried and Role of Provider Recommendation in Typically Developing Children

Abstract Introduction Behavioral sleep recommendations are widely recognized as first-line strategies to improve pediatric sleep. In addition, understanding parent engagement with behavioral sleep recommendations is critical for designing interventions that are both effective and accessible. However, little is known about the extent to which parents adopt behavioral sleep recommendations, why they do not adopt them, and the importance of a health care provider’s recommendations to adopt them. This study seeks to fill that gap. Methods Parents (N=389, Mage=37.85, 51.9%-female) of school-aged children (8-12, Mage=9.40, 45.5%-female) with sleep problems (>30 minutes of SOL or WASO on >3 nights in the past week) reported on their past experiences using behavioral sleep recommendations to improve their child’s sleep and the importance of a health care professional’s recommendations (0-10, with 10 being the most important). SPSS evaluated the proportion of parents who reported prior use of specific behavioral sleep recommendations and mean importance of recommendations. Results Sixty percent of parents reported trying behavioral sleep recommendations. Among these, nearly all instituted a regular bedtime (100%) and schedule (89%), with many directing children to avoid electronics (83%), changing unhelpful habits (75%), and rewarding good bedtime behavior (65%). Parents who had not tried recommendations cited barriers such as perceived ineffectiveness (5%), travel demands (2%), lack of insurance coverage (2%), limited access to virtual options (2%), or not receiving recommendations (2%). Importantly, parents emphasized the value of provider endorsement (M=7.35, SD=2.40). Conclusion Findings suggest that while many parents adopt behavioral sleep recommendations, barriers remain related to access, perceived effectiveness, and provider endorsement. Future research should explore strategies to increase equitable access to behavioral sleep interventions, including integration into routine pediatric care and use of telehealth/online platforms. Clinically, results underscore the importance of health care professionals actively recommending behavioral sleep strategies, as provider endorsement strongly influences parent uptake. Expanding provider training and embedding behavioral sleep guidance into standard practice may improve child sleep outcomes and reduce family burden. Support (if any)