SleepSMART for Insomnia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

(SleepSMART Trial)

This trial tests a new therapy called SleepSMART, designed to help Veterans with both insomnia (trouble sleeping) and mild cognitive impairment (early memory and thinking problems). The goal is to determine if SleepSMART is more effective than regular therapy for insomnia, known as CBT-I, in improving sleep and cognitive function. Veterans diagnosed with both insomnia and mild cognitive impairment might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative research that could lead to new treatment options.

The trial requires that you have been stable on your medications for at least 4 weeks before joining, so you likely won't need to stop taking them.

Research has shown that SleepSMART, a specialized version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), effectively treats Veterans with insomnia and mild memory problems. Studies have found that it significantly improves sleep issues, suggesting that SleepSMART is generally easy to use. No specific reports of negative side effects have been directly linked to SleepSMART, which reassures those considering joining the trial. SleepSMART aims to enhance traditional CBT-I by incorporating additional cognitive strategies to aid in learning and adherence to the treatment. This approach builds on a treatment already known to be safe and effective for many people.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about SleepSMART because it's an innovative twist on the standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Designed specifically for older veterans dealing with both insomnia and mild cognitive impairment, SleepSMART enhances traditional CBT-I by incorporating supportive cognitive strategies. This unique approach aims to not only improve sleep but also boost learning and adherence to treatment, potentially offering a more comprehensive solution for those with overlapping sleep and cognitive challenges.

Research has shown that SleepSMART, a treatment in this trial, yields promising results for improving sleep problems in Veterans with mild memory issues. In an initial study, participants using SleepSMART experienced significantly better sleep quality. This treatment modifies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the other treatment arm in this trial, by incorporating strategies to help individuals learn and adhere to the treatment. SleepSMART is specifically designed for older Veterans, offering a personalized approach for those facing both sleep and memory challenges. These early findings suggest that SleepSMART could effectively manage insomnia in this group.¹²³⁶⁷