Clinical Research Directory

REmotely-delivered Supportive Programs for Improving Surgical Pain and disTrEss

The purpose of this research study is to learn how two different supportive programs may help women feel better after surgery. This study will measure if one type of supportive program is more useful than the other for improving wellbeing after surgery.

Sleep Interventions and Neurocognitive Outcomes

This protocol focuses on the effect of sleep interventions on improving sleep and building cognitive/brain resilience in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance. Two sleep interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and acoustic slow-wave activity enhancement (SWAE), will be utilized in a pilot randomized clinical trial in which participants are randomized to different treatment groups (CBTI or SWAE). Participants will be assessed over a 6-month period in order to examine the impact of sleep treatments on neuropsychological outcomes and cognitively mediated everyday functioning.

Optimizing Attention and Sleep Intervention Study

The goal of this pilot clinical effectiveness trial is to compare a brief parent behavioral intervention (PBI) to a modified sleep focused PBI (SF-PBI) delivered by therapists in pediatric primary care for families of children 3-5 years old with sleep problems and early ADHD symptoms. The main aims are to: Aim 1: Demonstrate the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the sleep focused PBI (SF-PBI) delivered in pediatric primary care for preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) at elevated risk for ADHD. Aim 2: Examine change in target engagement (sleep) and ADHD symptoms among preschool-aged children at elevated risk for ADHD receiving SF-PBI compared to standard PBI.

Healing Care Environment and Sleep in Pediatric Intensive Care

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions used within the framework of a healing care environment on sleep disturbances in children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The study aimed to support sleep quality by reducing environmental stimuli and promoting comfort through supportive nursing interventions. The interventions included the use of an eye mask and headphones with audiobooks in addition to standard nursing care. Children aged 6-15 years who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Sleep disturbances were evaluated using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, and physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were monitored throughout the study process. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based non-pharmacological nursing interventions aimed at improving sleep quality and supportive care practices in the PICU environment.

Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depression (TranS-C+BL)

The goal of this clinical trial is to adapt a sleep intervention for individuals representative of all demographic groups, including those who are at the highest risk for suicidal behavior. Sleep difficulties are a promising target for youth with suicidal thoughts and behavior to focus on as a prevention measure. We aim to increase intervention acceptability and impact by adapting it for the adolescent populations at highest risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The research project will compare Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TranS-C), an evidence based, modularized intervention that targets a range of sleep difficulties to a treatment as usual or control condition including providing weekly sleep feedback reports from data entered into a daily sleep diary and from wearing a sleep sensing, actigraphy watch. Participants in both conditions (TranS-C vs. Sleep Feedback) will wear an actigraphy sleep watch that monitors sleep, and complete daily sleep diaries via smartphone or email. Participants in the TranS-C condition will also wear bright light (BL) and blue blocking glasses each day as well as attend weekly or biweekly sessions with a Sleep Therapist. The sleep therapist will review sleep feedback during sessions.

RECOVER-SLEEP: Platform Protocol, Appendix_B (CPSD)

The platform protocol is designed to be flexible so that it is suitable for a range of study settings and intervention types. Therefore, the platform protocol provides a general protocol structure that can be shared by multiple interventions and allows comparative analysis across the interventions. For example, objectives, measures, and endpoints are generalized in the platform protocol, but intervention-specific features are detailed in separate appendices. This platform protocol is a prospective, multi-center, multi-arm, randomized controlled platform trial evaluating potential interventions for PASC-mediated sleep disturbances. The hypothesis is that symptoms of sleep and circadian disorders that emerge in patients with PASC can be improved by phenotype-targeted interventions. Specific sleep and circadian disorders addressed in this protocol include sleep-related daytime impairment (referred to as hypersomnia) and complex PASC-related sleep disturbance (reflecting symptoms of insomnia and sleep-wake rhythm disturbance).

Self-Acupressure and Social Jet Lag in Female Health Sciences Students

This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure on social jet lag, sleep patterns, and sleep quality in female health sciences students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. The intervention will be performed daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period, with the primary outcome being the change in social jet lag. Secondary outcomes include changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and participant blinding assessment.

The Effects of Light Therapy to Treat Cancer-related Side Effects

Severe fatigue, depression, sleep problems and cognitive impairment are the most commonly reported side effects of cancer treatment. These aversive side effects are hypothesized to be related to the disruption of circadian rhythms associated with cancer and its treatment. Exposure to Bright White Light (BWL) has been found to synchronize the circadian activity rhythms but research with cancer patients has been scarce. Therefore, the proposed randomized control trial (RCT) will test if systematic light exposure (sLE) will minimize overall levels of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), depression, sleep problems and cognitive impairment among breast cancer patients undergoing breast cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy). SLE incorporates the delivery of harmless UV-protected BWL or Dim White Light (DWL - standard comparison in light studies) delivered to patients by using special glasses for 30 minutes each morning, during their treatment. The proposed study, including a delineated comparison condition, will investigate the effects of BWL on CRF, sleep, depression, cognition, circadian rhythms, and inflammation markers among patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. The proposed RCT could have major public health relevance as it will determine if an easy-to-deliver, inexpensive, and low patient burden intervention reduces common side effects (e.g., CRF, depression, cognitive impairment) of cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy). Aim 1 - Assess whether Bright White Light (BWL) compared with Dim White Light (DWL) among breast cancer patients undergoing breast cancer treatment will minimize overall levels of CRF, depression, sleep problems, and cognitive impairment during and after breast cancer treatment, compared to healthy controls. Aim 2 - Determine whether the BWL intervention affects cortisol rhythms, circadian activity rhythms, melatonin rhythms, and inflammation markers that have been identified as correlates/causes of cancer-related side effects (e.g., CRF, depression, sleep problems). Aim 3 - Exploratory: Explore whether the effects of BWL compared to DWL on the cancer-related side effects (e.g., CRF, cognitive impairment) are mediated by the beneficial effects of the BWL in synchronizing circadian rhythms. Aim 4 - Exploratory: Explore potential moderators of the intervention including seasonality, chronobiology, personality, and social factors.

Nuestro Sueno: Cultural Adaptation of a Couples Intervention to Improve PAP Adherence and Sleep Health Among Latino Couples With Implications for Alzheimer's Disease Risk

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the culturally adapted couples sleep health intervention (Nuestro Sueno) improves positive airway pressure use and sleep among Hispanic couples in which one partner was diagnosed with sleep apnea and starting positive airway pressure treatment. The main questions are: 1. Does Nuestro sueno improve the patient's positive airway pressure use over the first 3 months of using it compared to an information control? 2. Does Nuestro sueno improve sleep quality for both the patient and partner, compared to an information control? 3. Does Nuestro sueno improve other aspects of life including quality of life and memory, compared to an information control?

Brief Behavioral Intervention for Insomnia Among Adults With Sleep Disturbances

The goal of this interventional study is to develop a in person nurse-led Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBT-I) intervention integrated with a chatbot and evaluate its effects on sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and fatigue among community-dwelling adults, as well as user acceptance and satisfaction with the chatbot-assisted intervention. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving BBT-I combined with a chatbot or a self-monitoring control group.

Improving Sleep in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

This purpose of this study is to learn about how to provide treatment to gynecologic cancer survivors who have difficulty sleeping.

Sleep Disturbance and Emotion Regulation Brain Dysfunction as Mechanisms of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Dementia

Recent findings suggest that sleep disruption may contribute to the generation and maintenance of neuropsychiatric symptoms including anxiety, depression, agitation, irritation, and apathy while treating sleep disruption reduces these symptoms. Impairments in the neural systems that support emotion regulation may represent one causal mechanism mediating the relationship between sleep and emotional distress. However, this model has not yet been formally tested within a sample of individuals with or at risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) This proposal aims to test a mechanistic model in which sleep disturbance contributes to neuropsychiatric symptoms through impairments in fronto-limbic emotion regulation function in a sample of individuals at risk for developing, or at an early stage of AD. This study seeks to delineate the causal association between sleep disruption, fronto-limbic emotion regulation brain function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. These aims will be achieved through a mechanistic, randomized 2-arm controlled trial design. 150 adults experiencing sleep disturbances and who also have cognitive impairment with the presence of at least mild neuropsychiatric symptoms will be randomized to receive either a sleep manipulation (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia CBT-I; n=75) or an active control (n=75). CBT-I improves sleep patterns through a combination of sleep restriction, stimulus control, mindfulness training, cognitive therapy targeting dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and sleep hygiene education. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, fronto-limbic functioning, and sleep disruption will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the sleep manipulation through functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), clinical interviews, PSG recordings, and self-report questionnaires. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression) and sleep disturbance (actigraphy, Insomnia Severity Index, and sleep diaries) will be assayed at baseline and each week throughout the sleep manipulation to assess week-to-week changes following an increasing number of CBT-I sessions. Wristwatch actigraphy will be acquired from baseline to the end of the sleep manipulation at week 11. Neuropsychiatric symptoms and sleep will be assessed again at six months post-manipulation.

Sleep Promotion Program Primary Care (SPP PC) Open Trial

Investigators developed a brief, scalable, behavioral Sleep Promotion Program (SPP) for adolescents with short sleep duration and sleep-wake irregularity, which relies on one individual session and smart phone technology to deliver evidence-based strategies. This open trial portion of the R34 will focus on conducting an open trial (n=8) to iteratively refine provider training, implementation procedures, and SPP program, per participant and staff feedback.

Early Psychological Intervention After Rape

Rape is a common cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women, as around 30-50% will develop PTSD in the aftermath of rape. A modified protocol based on Prolonged Exposure Therapy (mPE), has been developed, consisting of three to five once or twice weekly 60 minutes sessions, and studies indicate that if implemented early after rape, mPE may prevent the development of PTSD. The aim of the study is to conduct a multi-site (4 Sexual assault care centers in Norway) randomized control trial (RCT) in which patients are recruited early after rape, and randomized to intervention (mPE) or treatment as usual (TAU).

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Function, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythms: Implications for Treatment

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable medical illness with three medications FDA approved for treatment. However, persons with OUD report significant sleep disturbance, even when treated with medications for opioid use disorder, leading to high rates of relapse. In this project, we will investigate a special set of photosensitive neurons in the retina as an underlying mechanism for circadian rhythm and sleep disturbance from opioid use and medications for OUD that could lead to novel intervention and improve treatment outcomes.

Sleep Quality in Assisted-Living Residents

Assisted living residents who have sleep disturbances are at great risk of developing cognitive impairments. The identification of factors that increase sleep problems in this population is the first step towards improving sleep disorders and reducing and/or delaying the occurrence of cognitive impairments in this population. Physical activity has been proposed to improve sleep quality in older individuals, but there is currently no scientific evidence of how sleep mediates the relationship between physical activity and cognition in assisted living residents. This is a cross-sectional study that investigates the relationship between sleep quality, functional/physical capacity, and cognitive performance. Participants will be recruited through a non-probabilistic sampling method (convenience) as this is a feasibility study that aims to identify, for the first time, sleep disorders in assisted living residents using objective measures of sleep. Sleep quality will be measured with polysomnography, actigraphy, and questionnaire. Functional and physical capacity will be assessed through walking tasks and actigraphy. Cognitive tasks will be used to assess memory. This study will bring new insights into the factors that affect the quality of life and sleep in assisted living residents. The evidence-based knowledge acquired on-site will be translated and shared with the local and global scientific community to raise awareness of the factors that contribute to increasing institutionalization and dependent living. Results obtained from objective and subjective measures of sleep will be of great importance to develop specialized clinical expertise and behavioral interventions that will meet residents' needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) in Patients With Comorbid Somatic Disease and Insomnia

Insomnia is common with co-morbid somatic disease, e.g. rheumatic disease, cancer, heart and lung disease or gastrointestinal disorders. Pain, breathing difficulties and other symptoms of disease can worsen sleep problems and cause insomnia. In turn, insomnia may aggravate pain, fatigue and reduce quality of life in patients with somatic disorders. This project aims to evaluate a course offered to patients with insomnia and somatic disease at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. The course is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, a documented treatment for insomnia.

Personalized Approach To Habits - Sleep

Two arm study, intervention and control, to explore the impact of an app to help high risk teens with asthma improve their sleep

Using Dupilumab to Improve Circadian Function, Sleep and Pruritus in Children With Moderate/Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Single center, prospective, Open label study of sleep, pruritus and circadian function pre/post 12-weeks of dupilumab treatment in children 6-17 years old

Adjunctive Bright Light Therapy for Opioid Use Disorder

Investigators propose to conduct a pilot single-blind, parallel arm, randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of bright light therapy on reward system functioning among patients undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

RCT of a Weighted Blanket to Reduce Pain in Veterans With Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a major health concern for returning Veterans and is associated with decreases in quality of life. In addition, chronic pain is often accompanied by significant disturbance in sleep. Sensory interventions may offer effective, low-cost complementary tools for chronic pain and sleep disturbance in Veterans. Weighted Blankets (WB)- blankets sewn with weighted material inside to provide widespread pressure to the body- are a low-cost wellness product used for anxiety and sleep. WBs have demonstrated large reductions in insomnia, and the investigators have also shown that they can reduce the severity of chronic pain. However, effects and mechanisms of longer WB use have not been examined in individuals with pain and sleep disturbance. The investigators therefore propose a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of WBs on pain and sleep quality in Veterans. the investigators will recruit Veterans with chronic pain and sleep disturbance from the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and VA San Francisco Healthcare System (VASFHS) and randomize 160 Veterans to receive either a light (3-lb; N = 80) or heavy (15-lb; N = 80) blanket. The investigators will remotely collect measures of pain (primary), pain catastrophizing, and pain medication use, as well as sleep disturbance (primary) and sleep efficiency and total sleep time over 6 weeks of overnight home use of the assigned blanket. The investigators will also explore physiological effects of WBs on sleep quality using actigraphy (exploratory) in VASDHS participants. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods will be deployed via smartphone to capture study adherence.

TRANslating Sleep Health Into QUaLity of Recovery (TRANQUiL) Study

This is a novel observational study with the overarching aim of evaluating the association between poor sleep health and poor quality of recovery in a surgical setting. It hopes to assess and optimize the perioperative sleep health of patients so significant improvements in their quality of recovery and health outcomes may be achieved.

The Effect of Pink Noise and the Quiet Night Intervention on Sleep Parameters in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Sleep disruption is common in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is often worsened by environmental noise and nighttime care activities. Poor sleep may negatively affect recovery and well-being. This single-center, three-arm randomized controlled trial will evaluate the short-term effects of two non-pharmacological interventions-(1) pink-brown noise masking and (2) a quiet time intervention-on objective sleep parameters in adult ICU patients, compared with standard care. Sleep outcomes will be measured using actigraphy-based wearable monitoring, including total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings. Results are expected to support evidence-based nursing approaches to improve sleep in ICU patients.

Home Apnea Testing in CHildren Trial

This clinical trial will compare home sleep apnea testing with the gold standard in-lab polysomnography in terms of 1) accuracy, 2) therapeutic decision-making, and 3) parent/child acceptability in children referred for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea.