Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cirrhosis and Insomnia

This trial aims to determine if the Adapted Virtual Insomnia Program, a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy, can help people with cirrhosis manage insomnia. The program includes four weekly sessions and three short online check-ins. Participants will monitor their sleep patterns before and after the program. This trial suits individuals with cirrhosis who speak English and experience sleep difficulties, such as taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative insomnia therapy without the constraints of traditional clinical trial phases.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.

Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is generally easy for people to handle. Studies have found that it significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia symptoms. For instance, one study noted better sleep and a 54% remission rate in patients with chronic conditions like pain and heart disease.

Unlike traditional treatments for cirrhosis-related insomnia, which often involve medication, the Adapted Virtual Insomnia Program offers a behavioral approach through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This program is unique because it is delivered entirely online, making it more accessible for patients who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. Additionally, it's specifically tailored to address the sleep issues of cirrhosis patients, incorporating weekly sessions and check-ins to provide personalized support. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could offer a non-pharmacological, customizable option that improves sleep without the side effects associated with medication.

Research has shown that digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) can significantly reduce insomnia severity. A review of 11 studies found that dCBT-I effectively improved sleep. In another study, 81% of participants reported at least a mild improvement in sleep after completing a digital CBT program. CBT-I has also benefited individuals with long-term conditions like chronic pain and heart disease, with 54% experiencing reduced insomnia symptoms. These findings suggest that the Adapted Virtual Insomnia Program, which participants in this trial will receive, could improve sleep for patients with cirrhosis.³⁶⁷⁸⁹