Digital Therapy From Montreal Offers New Hope for Seniors With Insomnia

A Montreal research team is offering a new digital approach for older adults struggling with insomnia and anxiety, at a time when access to sleep clinics and mental health support remains difficult for many Canadians.

Researchers at the Research Centre of the Montreal Geriatric University Institute developed an online cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to help older adults manage sleep problems and anxiety together. The study was published in Age and Ageing in May 2026 and was highlighted by The Canadian Press on Monday, June 8.

The trial involved 80 older adults with insomnia. Participants were divided between those who used the digital program and a waitlist control group. Researchers found that the program improved sleep efficiency and reduced symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, while also being considered user-friendly and acceptable for older adults.

According to the report, the study showed an 11.46% improvement in sleep efficiency. About half of the participants achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in insomnia severity, while five were considered to be in remission after the trial.

The program uses short online sessions, educational videos and simple homework between sessions. One strategy involves limiting the amount of time a person spends in bed without sleeping. That may sound counterintuitive, but it is a known CBT-I technique that helps rebuild the link between bed and sleep, rather than bed and frustration.

The story matters because sleep is not just a comfort issue for seniors. Chronic insomnia can affect energy, concentration, emotional health and daily independence. For some older adults, poor sleep may contribute to isolation and lower activity levels, making treatment an important part of healthy aging.

Researchers caution that digital therapy does not replace doctors, psychologists or medical care, especially for people with complex health conditions or medications affecting sleep. Its value is that it may become a scientifically grounded support tool that can expand access while mental health services remain under pressure.

The next phase of the research will look at whether the digital therapy may also help memory. A wider rollout in Quebec or across Canada will depend on public or philanthropic funding to maintain the platform and make it available to seniors.