Evaluating insomnia treatment to lower heart disease risk in PTSD patients
Official title: An evaluation of insomnia treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10890044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how helping people with PTSD sleep better can also lower their chances of heart problems, using a special therapy called CBT-I to improve their sleep and checking their heart health along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $770,341 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL148327-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with PTSD and experience insomnia.
✕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 how treating insomnia in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. The study will utilize cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to improve sleep quality and assess its effects on various cardiovascular health markers. Patients will undergo tests to measure blood pressure, vascular function, and sympathetic nervous system activity, which are crucial for understanding heart health. The goal is to uncover the relationship between improved sleep and reduced cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that significantly lower cardiovascular risks for patients suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve sleep and health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beckham, Jean C. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Beckham, Jean C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Brief insomnia treatment for Veterans with PTSD
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Improving sleep in veterans with PTSD through brief behavioral treatment
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Exploring how insomnia treatment affects heart and metabolic health in older adults with PTSD
This study is looking at how treating insomnia can help improve heart and metabolic health in older adults with PTSD, and it's designed for those who struggle with sleep and want to feel better both mentally and physically.
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Exploring how a healthy lifestyle can reduce heart disease risk in people with PTSD
This study is looking at how a program that helps people with PTSD make healthier lifestyle choices can improve their heart health, focusing on things like stress, finances, and medications.
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How a healthy lifestyle can reduce heart disease risk in people with PTSD
This study is looking at how a healthy lifestyle program can help adults with PTSD improve their heart health and overall well-being by encouraging better sleep and more physical activity over a year.
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Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
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.