Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia delivered via instant messaging for stroke caregivers

The Effect of Instant Message-delivered Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in Stroke Family Caregivers: a Mixed Method Study

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05952245

This study tests if sending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia through instant messaging can help caregivers of stroke survivors sleep better and feel less stressed.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment138 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations5 sites (Hong Kong and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05952245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of an instant message-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) intervention aimed at reducing insomnia symptoms among caregivers of stroke survivors. Participants will receive personalized psychological support through messaging apps over a three-month period, while a control group will receive basic education on stroke care and sleep hygiene. The study will measure outcomes such as sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden using validated scales. Additionally, a qualitative study will explore participants' experiences with the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary family caregivers of stroke survivors who are at least 18 years old and experience clinically significant insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients who have a psychiatric diagnosis, are currently taking sleep medications, or are involved in other psychological interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being for stroke caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that internet-delivered CBT-I can effectively reduce insomnia symptoms, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary family caregiver (Aged ≥18) of stroke survivor
* Able to read and communicate in Chinese
* Engaged caregiving roles for \> 4 hours per day;
* Able to use a smartphone messaging app (e.g., WhatsApp and WeChat)
* SCI ≤ 21 scores (i.e., clinically significant insomnia)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has provided care for \<1 month prior to recruitment
* Has a diagnosis of psychiatric disease or is currently taking psychotropic drugs
* Currently taking medication to help with sleep
* Currently participating in any type of psychological intervention

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong and 4 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Insomnia, Depressive Symptoms, Caregiver Burnout, Psychological Distress, Mobile Phone Use

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.