Evaluating behavioral treatments for insomnia in disadvantaged adults

A Hybrid Effectiveness Implementation Trial Evaluating Behavioral Treatments for Insomnia for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Adults in Primary Care

Not applicable Interventional Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT05759065

This study is testing whether a shorter online treatment for insomnia works just as well as a more traditional therapy for people with low income who have trouble sleeping.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05759065 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of tele-Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia against tele-Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults suffering from insomnia in a primary care setting. It is a randomized effectiveness-implementation trial designed to assess whether the brief treatment is non-inferior to the more established cognitive-behavioral therapy. Participants will be adults aged 18 and older who meet specific diagnostic criteria for insomnia and have a certain severity score. The study will take place at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are socioeconomically disadvantaged adults aged 18 and older who meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated major depressive disorder, active substance abuse, or severe medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for insomnia in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, but the specific comparison of brief behavioral treatment in this demographic is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older
* Meet clinical diagnostic criteria for insomnia (DSM-V criteria)
* Insomnia severity score \> 10
* Eligible to receive care through publicly-supported medical assistance (e.g. Commonwealth Connector plan; MassHealth. For participants \>65 years old on Medicare, they will be asked about insurance coverage prior to initiating Medicare, OR
* Identify as racial or ethnic minority
* Has capacity for informed consent (SDT\<9)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Untreated, current major depressive disorder (PHQ-8≥ 20)
* History of bipolar disorder or psychosis
* Active alcohol abuse (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, AUDIT-C) or drug abuse (Drug Abuse Screening Test, DAST-2 ≥1)
* Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 16)
* Seizure within the past 1 year
* Main sleep period outside of 8pm - 11am
* Regular nightshift work (5 overnight shifts/month, defined as working between midnight-5am)
* Untreated, previously diagnosed moderate to severe sleep apnea
* Severe medical condition, which may require hospitalizations over the next 6 months
* Active suicidal ideation, if elicited passively during screening
* Pregnant or planning to become pregnant (self-reported)
* Participation in other studies that may impact the benefit or safety of the intervention, as determined by the study PI

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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
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.