TUESDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- An Internet-based intervention is an effective tool to treat insomnia, according to a study published in the July issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, while a study in the July issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that Web-based games may be useful to help low-income African-American children make healthy snack food choices.

Lee M. Ritterband, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, and colleagues conducted a study of 45 adults with insomnia, of whom 22 were randomized to an Internet-based intervention using cognitive behavior therapy techniques, while 23 were wait-listed, and found that the treatment group had significant improvement in their sleep habits.

Tiffany A. Pempek, Ph.D., and Sandra L. Calvert, Ph.D., of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., conducted a study of 30 low-income African-American 9- and 10-year-olds who played advergames, which rewarded their character for consuming either healthy or less healthy foods and drinks, and found that not only did the children make healthier snack choices after playing the healthier advergame, but also enjoyed playing the game.

"Concerns about online advergames that market unhealthy foods are justified," Pempek and Calvert conclude. "However, advergames may also be used to promote healthier foods and beverages. This kind of social marketing approach could tip the scales toward the selection of higher-quality snacks, thereby helping curb the obesity epidemic."

Abstract - Ritterband
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Abstract - Pempek and Calvert
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