Behavioral therapy to reduce nightmares in REM sleep behavior disorder
Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
NA · University of Utah · NCT06441864
This trial will test whether a non-medication behavioral therapy delivered by videoconference can reduce frequent nightmares in adults with REM sleep behavior disorder while involving a family member.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Utah (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT06441864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with isolated or neurodegenerative-related REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and a cohabiting family member are enrolled and receive cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares, including imagery rehearsal techniques, delivered via videoconference. Participants with RBD attend seven therapy sessions and their family members join two of those sessions; all participants complete two study assessments. Medications must be stable for at least one month prior to enrollment, and exclusion criteria include possible dementia, narcolepsy, PTSD, and prior behavioral nightmare treatment. The intervention aims to provide a nonpharmacologic option to reduce nightmare frequency and distress in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults in the United States with isolated or secondary RBD who have nightmares at least three times per week, live with a willing family member, and have stable sleep- or neurologic-related medications.
Not a fit: Patients with possible dementia, narcolepsy, posttraumatic stress disorder, those currently in trauma- or sleep-focused psychotherapy, or those who have already received behavioral treatment for nightmares may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-drug way to reduce nightmare frequency and distress, improve sleep safety, and lessen partner sleep disruption.
How similar studies have performed: Imagery rehearsal therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches have shown benefit for idiopathic nightmares and PTSD-related nightmares, but they have been less studied specifically in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of isolated RBD or RBD secondary to neurodegenerative disease * Age 18 or older * Speak, read, and write English * Live in the United States * Nightmare frequency ≥3 times per week * Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index score indicative of nightmare disorder * Sleep, neurological, and psychiatric medications stable for at least 1 month and willing to keep medications stable through the course of the study * Live with a family member who is willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Possible dementia * Narcolepsy * Posttraumatic stress disorder * Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares * Currently engaged in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy * Taking a medication that could cause RBD, if the medication was started prior to onset of RBD symptoms Inclusion Criteria (Family Members): * Live with a family member who meets all of the above criteria * Age 18 or older * Speak, read, and write English * Live in the United States
Where this trial is running
Salt Lake City, Utah
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Mundt, PhD
- Email: RBDstudy@utah.edu
- Phone: 801-646-8287
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Nightmare, Nightmare Disorder With Associated Other Sleep Disorder, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares