Using behavioral nudges to improve sleep in outpatient settings

Study in Outpatient Medicine using Nudges to improve Sleep: The SOMNUS Trial

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10888993

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10888993 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing insomnia who are currently prescribed sedative-hypnotics or are seeking alternative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have insomnia or those who are not currently using sleep medications may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Los Angeles, 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.
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.