Improving sleep quality in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction

Sleep Extension to Improve Sleep Efficiency and Quality of Life in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: the SLEEP-HF Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06567925

This study is trying a new approach to help people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction sleep better by combining extra sleep time with tips for good sleep habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment17 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06567925 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility of a sleep extension intervention combined with sleep hygiene training to enhance sleep efficiency in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Over a total duration of three weeks, including a one-week run-in phase, 17 subjects will participate in a single-arm open-label study. The primary goal is to increase sleep duration and efficiency, which are critical for improving the quality of life and functional capacity in these patients. The study addresses the significant issue of poor sleep quality, which affects a large proportion of individuals with HFpEF.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of stable heart failure (NYHA class II-III) and poor sleep efficiency.

Not a fit: Patients with severe debilitating diseases, significant sleep disorders, or those taking sleep medications irregularly may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of sleep modulation in heart failure patients is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in improving sleep quality and related health outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* confirmed clinical diagnosis of stable HF (NYHA class II-III)
* left ventricular ejection fraction\>50% documented in the prior 12 months
* aged ≥18 years
* habitual reported sleep duration ≤7 hours
* sleep efficiency \<85% measured during the 1-week run-in phase

Exclusion Criteria:

* concomitant conditions that can limit physical activity
* severe debilitating diseases (ischemic heart disease. angina, arterial fibrillation, moderate to severe valvular disease)
* taking sleep medicine or melatonin irregularly
* pregnancy
* stage V kidney disease (with dialysis)
* shift worker
* insomnia
* hospitalization within the last 2 months
* patients with sleep and circadian disorders
* fluid overload
* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

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 Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection FractionSleep EfficiencySleep ExtensionHeart Failure with Preserved Ejection FractionQuality of Life
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.