Social networks will soon be used to help overcome sleeplessness amongst insomniacs!
Researchers want to find out if networks such as Twitter and Facebook can augment the effects of existing treatments for insomnia.
Many people who suffer bouts of insomnia are helped in their recovery by using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through which they learn to avoid the thought patterns and activity that are deemed to make them poor sleepers.
Some of these are already computer-based and they typically involve a patient using the system in isolation.
Some therapists use computer-based learning exercises as a way to embed lessons about more positive patterns of behaviour.
Social networks which give easy access to friends, family and therapists will help reinforce CBT as people interact with them in a more persistent and regular way. This may prolong the beneficial effects of treatment.
Researcher Dr Andrew McCulloch, head of the Mental Health Foundation, said computer-based CBT had the potential to bring help to people who would otherwise find it difficult to get the help they need.
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