Improving sleep to reduce alcohol use

Sleep as a Mechanism of Change in Alcohol Use Outcomes Among Heavy-Drinking Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06286774

This study is testing if treating insomnia can help people who drink heavily cut back on their alcohol use.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment256 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06286774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project evaluates how improving insomnia can lead to better outcomes in alcohol use among individuals with heavy drinking habits. Participants who meet the criteria for both Alcohol Use Disorder and Insomnia Disorder will be randomly assigned to receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or be placed on a waitlist control. The study will assess changes in insomnia and alcohol use outcomes weekly during treatment and at multiple follow-up points. The goal is to understand the relationship between insomnia treatment and reductions in alcohol consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who engage in heavy drinking and also suffer from insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients over 50 years old or those with untreated moderate to severe sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel pathway for reducing alcohol use by addressing insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in using sleep interventions to improve alcohol use outcomes, indicating this approach has potential.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* report heavy drinking in a typical week in the past month
* meet DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
* meet DSM-5 and research diagnostic criteria for Insomnia Disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* ≥50 years
* unable to provide informed consent
* report contraindications for CBT-I (mania or seizure disorder)
* moderate to severe sleep apnea that is untreated
* have symptoms requiring immediate clinical attention (e.g., psychosis, suicide plan)
* are already receiving behavioral treatment for insomnia or alcohol use

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

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 InsomniaAlcoholHarmful Usealcoholdrinkingsleepinsomnia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.