Behavioral intervention for chronic insomnia in long-term sleeping pill users
Official title: Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Sedative Use in Older Adults With Chronic Insomnia
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT05301543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying a new coaching program to help people who have been using sleeping pills for a long time improve their sleep habits and reduce their dependence on medication for chronic insomnia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 8, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 20, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05301543 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 55-85 who have been using sleeping pills at least three nights a week and have a diagnosis of chronic insomnia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major depression, severe psychopathology, or acute medical conditions that interfere with participation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the effects of a behavioral intervention aimed at improving sleep hygiene among long-term users of sleeping pills diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Participants will receive coaching support from the research team and will be encouraged to adopt regular sleep schedules. The study will monitor adherence to the intervention using an optional smartphone application, with the goal of alleviating insomnia symptoms and reducing reliance on sleeping medications. A total of 20 participants will be enrolled in this randomized study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help patients reduce their dependence on sleeping pills and improve their overall sleep quality.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is not widely tested, similar behavioral interventions have shown promise in improving sleep quality and reducing medication reliance in other populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age of 55-85 * Use of sleeping pill medication for sleep at least 3 nights a week * Diagnosed with Chronic Insomnia by a physician * Speaks English above a 6th-grade level * Has access to a smartphone and/or smart tablet and can use it * Has regular access to internet Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of major depression or other severe psychopathology (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis, alcohol/substance abuse, etc.) * Presence of an acute or severe medical condition which, in the opinion of the research team, would interfere with the study participant's ability to participate in the research study, such as an acute heart attack, recent severe trauma, etc.
Where it's running
-
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nalaka Gooneratne
- Email: ngoonera@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215662 7772
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.