The PSP Sleep Course
Transform Your Sleep with PSPNET’s New Sleep Course!
Eligibility:
First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) 18+ residing in NB, NS, ON, PEI, and SK who want to improve their sleep.
What’s in it for you?
- Evidence-Informed: Participants report significant improvement in insomnia symptoms as well as sleep-related beliefs.
- Easy & Flexible: 4 online lessons over 6-8 weeks with ~ 1 hour of course work per week.
- Optional Therapist Support: Optional therapist support through secure emails and occasional phone check-ins.
- Extra Resources: More information about sleep-related concerns such as shift work, diet, exercise, and relaxation, and more!
Who can benefit?
First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) who struggle falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling tired during the day. This course is not suitable for those with severe substance use, psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts.
Can I enroll if I’ve already taken a PSPNET course?
Yes! If you have already taken a PSPNET course and you are interested in taking the PSP Sleep Course, please reach out to us and we will assist you with enrollment.
Sign up today and start sleeping better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this course developed?
Research shows that 49-60% of first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) report clinically significant sleep difficulties. Many PSP also have limited access to care.
The PSP Sleep Course was designed to help PSP with sleep concerns and overcome common barriers to support such as:
- Geographical (e.g., difficulty accessing care while posted to remote locations)
- Logistical (e.g., shift work limits access to standard service hours, busy work and family life)
- Stigma (e.g., perceptions of being evaluated negatively for accessing a mental health service)
- Limited resources (e.g., insufficient access)
Who developed the PSP Sleep Course?
The PSP Sleep Course was originally developed at Macquarie University in Australia and was then adapted to meet the needs of Canadian first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) by the PSPNET team at the University of Regina. The Sleep Course has shown success as a treatment for those who report or identify experiencing difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep and waking too early.
What does the PSP Sleep Course involve?
The PSP Sleep Course provides the same treatment content that is received via face–to-face therapy. The content has been adapted for first responders and other PSP who report experiencing significant difficulties with sleep.
Lessons are presented online on a weekly basis over 6-8 weeks with material access for up to 26 weeks after enrolling in the course.
There are 4 main lessons that we recommend completing over one or two weeks each. There are several additional resources available depending on the concerns or issues present, including areas like sleep myths, shift work, and mindfulness.
Lessons are provided through slideshows and downloadable guides that help review and practice the skills.
How much time does it take to complete the PSP Sleep Course?
The PSP Sleep Course was designed to take 6-8 weeks for clients to work through the 4 main lessons. Each lesson typically takes clients 1 hour to review the materials online with additional time to reflect on and implement changes. We strongly encourage clients to schedule time each week during the course to work through the material. Clients will also maintain access to the course materials for up to 26 weeks after enrollment.
What support is available from therapists?
The PSP Sleep Course includes optional therapist support during which clients can choose to send questions or comments to their assigned therapist via secure online email system. If requested, clients can also receive weekly messages from their therapist. While therapist contact is typically via secure messages, sometimes therapists may contact clients by phone. The amount of therapist support will depend on the needs of each client.
Therapist support typically starts with 6 weeks and can be extended up to 12 weeks.
Who provides therapist-assistance?
Therapist support is provided by registered mental health care providers with graduate-level training in psychology or social work. Our therapists are also experienced in working with first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) with extensive training in cognitive behavioural therapy and how to deliver it successfully online. Please note that sometimes graduate students provide treatment under close supervision of a registered mental health care provider.