Adaptive care for Chinese cancer survivors with insomnia

Dream2Heal: A Pilot Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) of an Adaptive Stepped-care Intervention for Chinese Cancer Survivors With Mild-to-moderate Insomnia

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06813235

This study is testing whether a web-based therapy for insomnia or an online exercise program can help Chinese cancer survivors sleep better, and if those who still have trouble can benefit from more intensive face-to-face support.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06813235 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This feasibility study aims to evaluate an adaptive stepped-care intervention designed to improve sleep quality among Chinese cancer survivors experiencing mild-to-moderate insomnia. The approach involves comparing a low-intensity web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (iDream2Heal) with a web-based exercise intervention (Easy Exercise). Additionally, for those who continue to experience sleep disturbances, a more intensive face-to-face therapist-led intervention will be tested against a combined web-based approach. The study employs a sequential multiple assessment randomized controlled trial (SMART) design to assess feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical significance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese patients diagnosed with curable breast, colorectal, or gynecological cancer who have completed treatment within the last two years and exhibit mild-to-moderate sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic cancer, current psychiatric disorders, other sleep disorders, or those who have received psychological treatment specifically for sleep disturbances may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance sleep quality and overall well-being for cancer survivors dealing with insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia among cancer survivors, suggesting potential success for this adaptive approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese patients diagnosed with curable breast, colorectal, or gynaecological cancer
* Completed treatment (except endocrine therapy) within two years
* Presenting with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 6 to 11 indicating mild-to-moderate sleep disturbance

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of metastatic cancer
* Current diagnosis of psychiatric disorder
* Current diagnosis of another sleep disorder,
* Have received psychological treatment specifically for sleep disturbance

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions NeoplasmSleep DisturbanceSequential multiple assessment randomized controlled trialsleep disturbancecancer survivorsinsomniaSurvivorship intervention
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.