Using mental imagery and scents to improve sleep in insomnia patients
Mental Imagery and Targeted Memory Reactivation in Insomnia
This study is testing whether using mental imagery and scents can help people with insomnia sleep better and feel less anxious.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva) |
| Trial ID | NCT06335784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of mental Imagery Rescripting (IR) and olfactory Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) in reducing insomnia severity and hyperarousal in patients with Insomnia Disorder. Participants will be randomized into four groups, receiving different interventions including sleep hygiene education, IR sessions, and TMR during sleep. The aim is to transform negative memories into positive ones and strengthen memory recall to improve sleep quality. The study will assess the impact of these techniques over four weeks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 45 who have been diagnosed with Insomnia Disorder and meet specific severity criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric disorders, significant medical conditions affecting sleep, or those with olfactory issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms in affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of IR and TMR is innovative, similar approaches in memory reactivation have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 45 years * Insomnia disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases 3 (ICSD-3) * ISI \> 10 * PSQI \> 5 * No other current treatment for Insomnia Exclusion Criteria: * patients with another psychiatric disorder requiring acute treatment according to DSM-5 * patients with medical (e.g. neurological disorders) or other disorders explaining the predominant complaint of insomnia (e.g., sleep apneas with ODI\>15/h, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements with PLM\>15, chronic pain) * patients with significant substance use/withdrawal * patients with heavy smoking * known pregnancy * patients suffering from anosmia, olfactory related issues and respiratory pathology
Where this trial is running
Geneva
- Center for Sleep Medicine — Geneva, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lampros Perogamvros
- Email: Lampros.Perogamvros@hcuge.ch
- Phone: +41223729946
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.