Using a voice-activated device to help young adult cancer survivors with insomnia

Intervention for Chronic Insufficient Sleep in Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Not applicable Interventional Medstar Health Research Institute · NCT05875129

This study is testing a voice-activated device to see if it can help young adult cancer survivors aged 18-29 with insomnia get better sleep.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedstar Health Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington, District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05875129 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to improve sleep among young adult cancer survivors who experience chronic insomnia by testing a voice-activated virtual assistant (VAVA) device that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The study focuses on young adults aged 18-29, a demographic particularly vulnerable to sleep disruption due to their medical history and developmental factors. By utilizing the VAVA device, the study seeks to provide real-time interventions that encourage better sleep behaviors tailored to the unique challenges faced by this population. The feasibility and acceptability of this approach will be evaluated to determine its potential effectiveness in improving sleep health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adult cancer survivors aged 18-29 who have been experiencing chronic sleep loss for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with acute medical or psychiatric disorders requiring treatment or those with a life expectancy of less than 12 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance sleep quality and overall well-being for young adult cancer survivors suffering from insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: While cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has been established as effective, the use of a voice-activated device for this specific population is a novel approach that has not been widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 18 and 29 years old
* history of cancer (any type, any stage)
* chronic sleep loss as evidence by self-report of receiving less sleep than recommended for their age by the National Sleep Foundation for \>/= 3 months
* must have an internet router in their primary home that they have access to (can add a second router to for the system to work)

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute medical/psychiatric disorder requiring treatment
* developmental or congenital disorder
* life expectancy \<12 months.

Where this trial is running

Washington, District of Columbia

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 CancerInsomnia Chronic
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.