Sleep Education and Training among Practicing Clinical Psychologists in the United States and Canada

Introduction: Clinical psychologists often treat patients with a sleep disorder. Cognitive-behavioral treatments can independently, or in combination with medical interventions, effectively improve sleep health outcomes. No studies have examined sleep education and training among practicing clinical psychologists. Method: Actively practicing clinical psychologists were recruited through psychological associations' e-mail listservs across the United States and Canada. Respondents (N = 200) provided information about: 1) duration and format of formal sleep education and training; 2) perceived self-efficacy to evaluate and treat sleep disorders; and 3) interest in further sleep training. Results: Clinical psychologists reported a median of 10.0 hours of didactic sleep training (range 0-130 hours) across their training or career. Ninety-five percent reported no clinical sleep training during graduate school, internship, or post-doctoral fellowship. In terms of evaluation and treatment, 63.2% reported feeling at least Moderately Prepared to evaluate a patient's sleep and 59.5% felt at least Moderately Prepared to treat a common sleep disorder (insomnia disorder). However, most endorsed using insomnia disorder treatment approaches inconsistent with empirically supported guidelines. The vast majority (99.3%) desired additional sleep training across a variety of delivery formats. Discussion: Many clinical psychologists engaged in active patient care have received minimal formal sleep training. Despite this, they felt prepared to evaluate and treat sleep disorders. Their treatment recommendations were not aligned with evidence-based standards. This may result in a delay to, or absence of, effective treatment for patients, underscoring the critical need for sleep training among clinical psychologists. It is essential to improve sleep competencies for the field.

Automated summary

Many clinical psychologists have received minimal formal sleep training, yet they feel prepared to evaluate and treat sleep disorders. However, their treatment recommendations do not align with evidence-based standards, potentially leading to delayed or ineffective treatment for patients. The critical need for sleep training among clinical psychologists should be addressed to improve patient outcomes.