NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Comparing a sleep medication and therapy for Veterans with PTSD and insomnia

Official title: A pragmatic randomized comparator trial of eszopiclone and brief behavioral therapy for insomnia in CPAP non adherent Veterans with PTSD and complex insomnia

Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-11212732 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether a sleep medication called eszopiclone or short therapy sessions can help Veterans with PTSD sleep better and stick to using their CPAP machines, so they can feel more rested and improve their overall well-being.

More PTSD research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Western New York Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2019
Project endMarch 31, 2025
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01CX001656-06
Project IDNIH-11212732 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who experience insomnia and have difficulty adhering to CPAP therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients without PTSD or those who do not experience insomnia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of eszopiclone, a sleep medication, compared to brief behavioral therapy for treating insomnia in Veterans who have PTSD and struggle with using CPAP machines. The study focuses on Veterans who experience complex insomnia, which is often exacerbated by their PTSD symptoms. By employing a randomized trial design, the research aims to determine which treatment approach leads to better sleep outcomes and adherence to CPAP therapy. Participants will be monitored for improvements in sleep quality and overall mental health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve sleep quality and mental health for Veterans suffering from PTSD and insomnia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that both pharmacological and behavioral therapies can be effective for treating insomnia, suggesting potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Western New York Healthcare System
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: El Solh, Ali a — VA Western New York Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: El Solh, Ali a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.