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Sleep Intervention and Quality of Life in Down Syndrome
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
Aim 1 of the proposed project will be to adapt the virtual Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The investigators will work closely with a community advisory board consisting of individuals with DS, their caregivers, and clinicians specializing in DS and sleep medicine to ensure that the intervention protocol is relevant and appropriate for young people with DS (age 12 and older). Planned adaptations include 1) utilization of visual aids and videos to increase engagement and reinforce mindfulness concepts and practices; 2) shortened meditation practices to accommodate concentration limits of individuals with DS; 3) caregiver involvement reflecting the important role of caregivers in daily functioning of individuals with DS; 4) adapted homework to cater to the learning styles of individuals with DS; 5) daily reminders to encourage regular practice and reinforce the importance of consistency; and 6) modified session structure to ensure that participants are able to discuss their experiences and refine their mindfulness practice. During the first 6 months of the project, the investigators will meet monthly with the community advisory board and use an iterative process to develop detailed intervention protocol for a virtual MBTI suitable for young people with DS. Aim 2 of the project will be to pilot test the efficacy of the virtual MBTI for young people with DS. In the second half of the one-year project, the investigators will conduct a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) of the intervention developed in Aim 1. This project will compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) and Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (BBTI) for young people with Down syndrome (DS). The interventions will be compared on their impact on improving sleep problems, quality of life, and functional outcomes. This project will also test if targeting the sleep of the caregiver in addition to the individual with Down syndrome has any effect on the outcomes.
Official title: Improving Sleep and Quality of Life in Individuals With Down Syndrome and Their Caregivers
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Months - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-03-01
Completion Date
2027-12-31
Last Updated
2026-03-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia
Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBTI) is a structured program designed to help individuals with chronic insomnia improve their sleep patterns through mindfulness practices. It combines mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and sleep education to address the cognitive and physiological factors that disrupt sleep. The therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness, acceptance of sleep difficulties, and the reduction of sleep-related anxiety to promote better sleep quality and overall well-being.
Wait-list control
The wait-list control group consists of participants who do not receive the intervention during the initial study period but are placed on a waitlist to receive it after the trial concludes. This group serves as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention while ensuring participants eventually have access to the treatment. It helps control for natural changes over time and the psychological effects of expecting future treatment.
Locations (1)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States