Improving sleep for better brain health in older surgical patients

A Pilot Study of Digital Sleep Optimization for Brain Health Outcomes in Older Surgical Patients (SLEEP-BOOST)

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10890421

This study is looking to help older adults who have trouble sleeping before surgery by using a special app and watch to provide support and tips for better sleep, with the hope that getting more rest will help them recover faster and lower their chances of memory problems later on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890421 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping older patients who are undergoing surgery and suffer from insomnia. It aims to test a digital program that provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to improve their sleep quality before surgery. By using an app and a watch to monitor sleep patterns, patients will receive guidance from trained professionals to help manage their insomnia. The goal is to see if better sleep can lead to improved recovery and reduce the risk of developing neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults scheduled for surgery who experience insomnia symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have insomnia or are not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better sleep management for older surgical patients, enhancing their recovery and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that digital CBT-I can effectively improve sleep and reduce anxiety, indicating a promising approach for this population.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.