CBT for insomnia to reduce impulsivity and risky behavior in young people
Effects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) on Impulsivity and Risk Taking in Youths With Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
This project will test whether group cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can reduce impulsive behavior and risky decision-making in Chinese youths aged 12–24 who have insomnia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 124 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07399964 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, assessor-blind, parallel-group trial comparing group-based CBT-I with a health-related psychoeducation control in youths with DSM-5 insomnia disorder. Participants meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned using an automated online system and will complete assessments at baseline, one week after the 7-week intervention, and at 6 months to measure maintenance effects. Outcomes include self-report and objective measures of impulsivity and risk-taking alongside insomnia severity and daytime functioning. The trial is conducted at the Sleep Research Clinic and Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Chinese adolescents and young adults aged 12–24 with DSM-5 insomnia disorder and an Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score ≥ 9, able to provide consent (with parental consent if under 18) and attend group sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Individuals with current substance abuse/dependence, a history of manic/hypomanic episodes, schizophrenia spectrum or neurodevelopmental disorders, significant medical conditions affecting sleep, or other diagnosed primary sleep disorders are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CBT-I could reduce impulsivity and risky behaviors in youths with insomnia, potentially lowering risks such as substance misuse and self-harm.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown CBT-I can improve insomnia symptoms and daytime functioning in youths, but effects specifically on impulsivity and risk-taking are not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chinese aged 12-24 years old * Written informed consent of participation in the study is given by the participant and his/her parent or guardian (for those aged under 18) * Willing to comply with the study protocol * Meeting the DSM-V diagnostic criteria of insomnia disorder and with a score on Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) \>= 9 (suggested cut-off for adolescents) Exclusion Criteria: * A current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; a current or past history of manic or hypomanic episode, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, organic mental disorders, or intellectual disabilities * Having a prominent medical condition known to interfere with sleep continuity and quality (e.g. eczema, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) * Having a clinically diagnosed sleep disorder (other than insomnia disorder) that may potentially contribute to a disruption in sleep continuity and quality, such as narcolepsy, sleep-disordered breathing, and restless leg syndrome, as ascertained by the Structured Interview for Sleep Patterns and Disorders (DISP), a validated structured diagnostic interview to assess major sleep disorders according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder (ICSD) criteria * Concurrent, regular use of medications(s) known to affect sleep continuity and quality including both western medications (e.g. hypnotics, steroids) and over-the-counter OTC medications (e.g. melatonin, Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) * In the opinion of the research clinician, having a clinically significant suicidality (presence of suicidal ideation with a plan or an attempt) * Currently receiving any psychological treatment for insomnia * With hearing or speech deficit * Night shift worker
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Sleep Research Clinic and Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shirley Xin LI, DClinPsy, PhD
- Email: shirleyx@hku.hk
- Phone: 39177035
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.