Improving cardiac rehabilitation by addressing sleep and stress

OPTImizing CArdiac REhabilitation by REfining Sleep and STress

Not applicable Interventional Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06505109

This study is testing whether adding a program that helps improve sleep and reduce stress to regular heart rehab can help people with heart problems feel better overall.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Eindhoven, North Brabant and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06505109 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the effectiveness and costs of integrating a behavioral program focused on sleep and stress into cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with cardiovascular diseases. The study involves a multicenter randomized controlled trial where one group of patients will receive standard CR along with the RESST intervention, which includes group sessions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The primary outcomes include improvements in sleep quality and perceived stress, while secondary outcomes will assess quality of life, chronic stress biomarkers, and physical fitness. The study also aims to explore the relationship between sleep, stress, and other health outcomes, considering diversity factors such as sex and socioeconomic status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are proficient in Dutch and experiencing sleep and/or stress problems.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric, cognitive, or physical comorbidities that impede participation in cardiac rehabilitation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in integrating behavioral interventions into cardiac rehabilitation, but this specific approach focusing on sleep and stress is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participate in CR at one of the study centres for any cardiac diagnosis or reason as stated in the Dutch guidelines
* Age at or above 18 years
* Proficient in the Dutch language
* Experiencing sleep and/or stress problems as indicated by a high score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI score \>5) or Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10 score \>13)
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe psychiatric, cognitive or physical comorbidity that would impede CR participation
* Active treatment for sleep disorders, stress, or other forms of (behavioural) therapy at the start of the study or expected to start within the first 6 months of the study, that could interfere with the RESST intervention. Note: Participants with previously diagnosed sleep disorders are eligible if they still experience sleep or stress problems, unless they fall under the above criteria. Participants who received a prior treatment that is still ongoing but has resulted in a stable sleep and stress condition in the 3 months before the cardiovascular event (e.g., Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)) are eligible.

Where this trial is running

Eindhoven, North Brabant and 2 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 Cardiovascular DiseasesCardiac RehabilitationSleepStress
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.