Comparing two therapies for insomnia treatment

Comparative Efficacy of Bedtime Restriction Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia - a Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Geneva, Switzerland · NCT06767137

This study is testing whether a new sleep therapy called Bedtime Restriction Therapy works just as well as the more common Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to help adults with insomnia sleep better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Geneva, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bern, Canton of Bern and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06767137 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two behavioral treatments for insomnia disorder: Bedtime Restriction Therapy (BRT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). BRT focuses on aligning the time spent in bed with actual sleep time, while CBT-I includes additional techniques such as relaxation and cognitive exercises. The goal is to determine if BRT is as effective as CBT-I in alleviating insomnia symptoms. Participants will be adults aged 18 to 80 who meet specific criteria for insomnia disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who meet DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, severe psychiatric disorders, or other sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective treatment options for managing insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for both BRT and CBT-I, indicating that this comparative approach is grounded in established therapies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must meet DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder.
* Adults aged 18 to 80 years
* Capable of giving written informed consent.
* Sufficient fluency in the study site's language (i.e., German or French) to understand all study-related information.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable, progressive, or degenerative medical condition
* Acute pain or poorly managed chronic pain
* Suicidality
* Uncontrolled psychiatric condition requiring treatment outside of study
* Alcohol or drug abuse or dependency
* Diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, autism, borderline personality disorder, or antisocial personality disorder
* Clinical evidence of sleep disorders other than insomnia (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs, periodic limb movements in sleep, parasomnia)
* Evidence of intellectual disability
* Regular intake of benzodiazepines (BZD) or benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZDRA)
* Alteration of medication within 4 weeks prior to study treatment or planned alteration during the trial period (stable medication except BZD or BZDRA does not lead to exclusion)
* Current other psychotherapy for insomnia
* Known pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Inability to comply with study procedure
* Insufficient fluency in German or French to complete the study

Where this trial is running

Bern, Canton of Bern and 1 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.
Conditions Insomnia DisordersInsomnia DisorderInsomniaInsomnia ChronicInsomnia, PrimaryInsomnia, NonorganicInsomnia TypeSleep Disorder
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.