Comparing aerobic exercise and digital therapy for insomnia in university students

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Versus Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in University Students With Insomnia Complaints

Not applicable Interventional Universidade Federal de Goias · NCT06636006

This study tests whether aerobic exercise can help university students with chronic insomnia feel better and sleep more soundly, just like a digital therapy program can.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversidade Federal de Goias Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jatai, Goiás)
Trial IDNCT06636006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise versus digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in university students experiencing chronic insomnia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group or a digital CBT-I group, with both groups undergoing assessments of insomnia severity, sleep quality, and related mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The study will utilize self-administered questionnaires to gather data on these parameters, testing the hypothesis that aerobic exercise can yield similar benefits to digital CBT-I in improving sleep and mental health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are university students aged 18 and older who report significant insomnia symptoms and are physically inactive.

Not a fit: Patients who are shift workers or those who do not adhere to the intervention protocols may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide alternative treatment options for insomnia that are accessible and effective for university students.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that both aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve insomnia symptoms, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ages ≥ 18 years old
* insomnia severity index score \>8
* be physically inactive according to the IPAQ questionnaire

Exclusion criteria:

* non-adherence to intervention protocols
* absence or incomplete answers in the questionnaires/evaluation methods of the study
* shift workers

Where this trial is running

Jatai, Goiás

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 Insomnia Chronicchronic insomniaexercisesleepanxietydepression
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.