What does this research mean for the field?

Youth with insomnia are deterred from seeking professional care by medication concerns, low perceived need, and structural barriers like cost, but are motivated by expected benefits, self-awareness, and convenient, low-cost access. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the barriers and motivators that influence treatment- and help-seeking behaviors for sleep problems among youth diagnosed with insomnia disorder.

August 29, 2026Behavioral Sleep Medicine

“Why don’t They Seek Help?” A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Motivators to Insomnia Treatment Among Youth

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

HSHao Fong SitUniversity of Hong Kong RWRan WangUniversity of Hong Kong JOJulia Ming Yee OrUniversity of Hong Kong

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Qualitative study reveals key structural, cultural, and perceptual barriers to insomnia care in youth, suggesting school-based and accessible sleep interventions are needed.

Key Points

To explore the barriers and motivators that influence treatment- and help-seeking behaviors for sleep problems among youth diagnosed with insomnia disorder.
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 38 youths aged 15–20 years with insomnia disorder who sought help through an insomnia intervention program.
Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Barriers to seeking care included apprehension regarding medication side effects, cultural factors, low perceived need, costs, limited accessibility, and competing daily priorities.
Motivators for joining the intervention included symptom awareness, anticipated benefits, favorable treatment characteristics, schedule availability, free and convenient access, and tangible incentives.

Cite This Study

Sit et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299bb8e5d7d1fc0c11dca https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2026.2724272

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

August 29, 2026Behavioral Sleep Medicine

“Why don’t They Seek Help?” A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Motivators to Insomnia Treatment Among Youth

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

HSHao Fong SitUniversity of Hong Kong RWRan WangUniversity of Hong Kong JOJulia Ming Yee OrUniversity of Hong Kong

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Qualitative study reveals key structural, cultural, and perceptual barriers to insomnia care in youth, suggesting school-based and accessible sleep interventions are needed.

Key Points

To explore the barriers and motivators that influence treatment- and help-seeking behaviors for sleep problems among youth diagnosed with insomnia disorder.
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 38 youths aged 15–20 years with insomnia disorder who sought help through an insomnia intervention program.
Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Barriers to seeking care included apprehension regarding medication side effects, cultural factors, low perceived need, costs, limited accessibility, and competing daily priorities.
Motivators for joining the intervention included symptom awareness, anticipated benefits, favorable treatment characteristics, schedule availability, free and convenient access, and tangible incentives.

Cite This Study

Sit et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299bb8e5d7d1fc0c11dca https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2026.2724272

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark