Years of abuse during her childhood left Chelsea Schneiter struggling with persistent insomnia. After trying just about every treatment for her sleep issues, Chelsea was losing hope – until her employer began offering Sleepio as a benefit and she decided to give it a try.
Q1: When did you begin experiencing sleep issues?
A1 | Chelsea: I’ve had issues sleeping my entire adult life – I was abused at night as a child which triggered my sleep problems.
Q2: Have you previously attempted to access in-person therapy or medication for your sleep problems?
A2 | Chelsea: I’ve tried everything to help improve my sleep. I’ve used different kinds of medications – ones that have dangerous side effects, like the ones that people sleepwalk on – and not one worked, ever. In fact, the medications made my eyes start to cross and left me with other negative side effects. Medication just wasn’t working for me. I’ve tried all kinds of things online that deal with sleep, but nothing helped me long-term.
Q3: How was your experience using Sleepio?
A3 | Chelsea: What sets Sleepio apart from other treatments I’ve tried for my insomnia is that you aren’t just told what to do, but you’re allowed to practice it, and you actually get helpful suggestions. Although it’s digital, you feel like there is a real person talking to you, and you get real feedback based on your progress and that is powerful.
Q4: Which technique(s) were most helpful for you?
A4 | Chelsea: Keeping a written record of my sleep habits has made a huge difference for me. Sleepio has also helped me to keep a consistent sleep schedule. It can be challenging to maintain but I told myself I would give it 100% because I believe in the efficacy of the program. I used to feel guilty about reading or watching TV before bed, but Sleepio has helped me take away that guilt and shame around my sleep habits. It taught me to engage in activities that are relaxing to me before bed but helped me refine the length of time/setting so that these activities do not impact my sleep. Now, I look forward to these activities each night.
Q5: How are you sleeping now?
A5 | Chelsea: My sleep score has improved tremendously. I still have bad nights every now and then, but when I do, I have the courage to keep trying thanks to Sleepio. It helps give me feedback and suggestions for things I can work on and improve. My thoughts are no longer obsessed with sleep, and I know I have the tools to get back on track.
Q5: How has Sleepio shaped your opinion of digital therapeutics?
A5 | Chelsea: I had tried what felt like every treatment for my insomnia prior to Sleepio. When I first heard about Sleepio, I thought it would be just another thing that wouldn’t work for me. But I told myself I had nothing to lose and needed to try everything possible, so I gave it a shot. I’m so glad I did and wish my company started offering it as a benefit sooner. I never would have thought a digital solution would help me to the extent that this has, but Sleepio is so different from other apps I have tried. I couldn’t be more appreciative of Sleepio and I want people to know that there are other options out there to help with your sleep issues – especially those who grew up in adverse environments and are managing past traumas like myself.
Sleepio is a digital therapeutic for insomnia that is clinically proven to help you clear your mind, improve your sleep, and have better days. Sleepio takes your unique needs and builds you a personalized six-week program, with sessions that guide you step by step through evidence-based methods.
Sleepio has been rigorously studied for safety and efficacy just like any sleep medication a doctor would prescribe. In 12 randomized controlled trials with over 13,000 participants, Sleepio was shown to help participants fall asleep faster, spend less time awake at night, and have better daytime functioning the next day.
Disclaimer: In accordance with FDA’s current Enforcement Policy for Digital Health Devices for Treating Psychiatric Disorders During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, for patients aged 18 years and older, who are followed by and diagnosed with insomnia disorder by a medical provider, Sleepio can be made available as an adjunct to their usual medical care for insomnia disorder. Sleepio does not replace the care of a medical provider or the patient’s medication. Sleepio has not been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these indications. Users are directed to not make any changes to their prescribed medication or other type of medical treatment without seeking professional medical advice. If you suspect a child is a victim of abuse, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency. Additional treatments may be warranted for victims of abuse.
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