Calm app for better sleep in blood cancer patients
Official title: Consumer-based meditation app, Calm, for treatment of sleep disturbance in hematological cancer patients
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11309639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly app-based program uses Calm to help people with hematologic cancers sleep better and feel less distressed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $589,612 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262041-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic hematologic cancers experiencing sleep disturbance who have access to a smartphone.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without smartphone access or who do not experience sleep disturbance may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a consumer meditation app (Calm) as a non-drug sleep intervention for adults living with chronic blood cancers. It leverages a smartphone platform to deliver guided meditation and sleep support tailored to cancer-related sleep problems. The study aims to reach patients in real-world settings, potentially reducing fatigue and emotional distress that can accompany long cancer courses. Participation would involve using the app over a set period and tracking sleep and mood outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better sleep, less anxiety, and improved daytime functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mobile meditation programs have shown improvements in sleep and well-being in various populations, though this specific cancer-focused app is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huberty, Jennifer Lynne — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Huberty, Jennifer Lynne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.