Improving Sleep to Help Weight Loss in Breast Cancer Survivors
Official title: The Effects of Treating Insomnia on Behavioral Weight Loss Outcomes in Survivors of Breast Cancer
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11365036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether improving sleep with a proven therapy helps breast cancer survivors lose more weight when they start a weight loss program.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $672,877 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281220-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who are breast cancer survivors with overweight or obesity and insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without insomnia or those who cannot participate in sleep therapy may see less benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at breast cancer survivors who are overweight or obese and who have trouble sleeping. It will test adding a sleep-improvement intervention to a standard behavioral weight loss program to see if better sleep helps people lose more weight and keep it off. Researchers will use established sleep therapy (CBT-I) and then implement a structured weight loss plan, tracking weight, body composition, and sleep quality over time. The goal is to find a practical, patient-friendly approach that addresses both sleep problems and weight management in survivors. If successful, the approach could inform future guidelines for supporting long-term health in breast cancer survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the approach could lead to more weight loss, better sleep, and improved overall health for breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show CBT-I helps sleep and may aid weight management, but this combined approach in a large trial is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilder Coughlin, Janelle — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wilder Coughlin, Janelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving Sleep for Weight Loss in Breast Cancer Survivors
This project explores if treating sleep problems first can help breast cancer survivors achieve better weight loss.
-
Improving weight loss outcomes by treating insomnia in breast cancer survivors
This study is looking at how improving sleep through therapy can help women who have survived breast cancer lose weight more effectively, making it easier for them to stay healthy and reduce the chance of cancer coming back.
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Weight-loss program for Latina breast cancer survivors using remote, community-driven methods
A remote, community-driven weight-loss program tailored for Latina breast cancer survivors will test adaptive, evidence-based strategies to help participants lose weight and improve health.
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Helping Breast Cancer Survivors Achieve a Healthy Weight
This project offers a personalized, remote weight loss program for Latina breast cancer survivors to help them reach a healthy weight.
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Evaluating weight loss programs for Latina breast cancer survivors
This study is looking at how well personalized weight loss programs delivered online can help Latina breast cancer survivors improve their health and maintain a healthy weight, and it’s designed to adapt based on what works best for each participant.
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Evaluating weight loss programs for Latina breast cancer survivors
This study is looking at a special weight loss program designed just for Latina breast cancer survivors, helping them make healthy changes to their diet and exercise from home over a year, to support their unique health needs.
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.