Using behavioral nudges to improve sleep in outpatient settings
Official title: Study in Outpatient Medicine using Nudges to improve Sleep: The SOMNUS Trial
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10888993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gentle reminders in electronic health records can help patients improve their sleep by encouraging healthier options, like therapy, instead of relying on sleep medications, and it's being tested in 60 clinics across the U.S.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $657,556 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167023-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing insomnia who are currently prescribed sedative-hypnotics or are seeking alternative treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have insomnia or those who are not currently using sleep medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how behavioral nudges can be integrated into electronic health records to promote better sleep management among patients. By encouraging the use of cognitive-behavioral therapies instead of dependence-forming sleep medications, the study aims to reduce the risks associated with long-term use of sedative-hypnotics. The approach includes simulating long-term outcomes, optimizing clinical workflows, and conducting a randomized trial across 60 clinics in the U.S. to assess the effectiveness of these nudges in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective sleep management strategies for patients, reducing reliance on potentially harmful medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral nudges to influence health-related decision-making, suggesting that this approach could be effective in improving sleep management.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doctor, Jason N. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Doctor, Jason N.
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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.