Rest to Overcome Loss and Reduce Risk

This intervention consists of six, 50-min. online individual sessions delivered via video conference. Content was developed by tailoring standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to the specific needs of people who recently lost spouses/long-term partners, by using qualitative data gathered in focus groups. The intervention incorporates key concepts of CBT-I (sleep restriction; stimulus control) and positive emotion psychology (everyday mindfulness; gratitude and self-compassion). Individualized sleep plans (including weekly sleep windows) will be created for intervention participants, and each weekly session will involve a discussion about participants' progress in improving sleep disturbance. Support and recommended coping skills for loss and bereavement will also be provided.

The control session (approx. 50-min. in length) will be delivered online in a one-to-one format (participant and facilitator) via videoconference. Educational brochures based on recommendations provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine focused on sleep and health and sleep hygiene education will be used. No specific or individualized recommendations will be given to control participants.