Sleep Education for Insomnia in PTSD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how addressing sleep problems can aid PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and improve heart health in older veterans. It combines Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The study aims to determine if resolving sleep issues can enhance sleep quality, PTSD symptoms, heart health, and overall life satisfaction. Veterans aged 50 or older, who have PTSD and insomnia and live near the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, may qualify. As an unphased trial, this study provides veterans the chance to explore innovative treatments that could improve their quality of life.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Since the study focuses on non-medication treatments, it's likely you can continue your current medications, but you should confirm with the study team.
What prior data suggests that this sleep education intervention is safe for older adults with PTSD?
Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), included in this trial, is generally safe. Studies have found that CBT-I can improve sleep without causing side effects, making it a well-tolerated alternative to sleep medications, which can sometimes have side effects.
CBT-I helps with various sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night. Participants often report better sleep quality, and these benefits can last a long time. Additionally, CBT-I proves effective for individuals with PTSD, improving both sleep and PTSD symptoms.
Overall, CBT-I is a safe and effective method for addressing sleep problems, offering a good option for those seeking to improve sleep without medication.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Behavioral Sleep Education Intervention for insomnia in PTSD because it emphasizes a unique approach using behavioral sleep techniques. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, this intervention involves a manual-based program delivered in personalized, hour-long sessions over several weeks. This method focuses on changing sleep-related behaviors, which may offer a more sustainable and side-effect-free solution for individuals struggling with sleep issues due to PTSD. By tailoring the education to each person, this approach could provide more effective, long-term improvements in sleep quality.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for insomnia in PTSD?
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) effectively treats sleep issues. Studies have found that CBT-I works as well as sleep medications but without the side effects. It improves sleep over time and reduces the risk of sleep problems returning. For individuals with PTSD, CBT-I can enhance sleep and help manage PTSD symptoms. This trial will evaluate the Behavioral Sleep Education Intervention, which incorporates CBT-I techniques, to determine its effectiveness in improving sleep and managing PTSD symptoms in older adults.13467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Monica Kelly, PhD
Principal Investigator
UCLA / VA Greater Los Angeles
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans aged 55+ with PTSD and insomnia, living within 50 miles of the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center. Participants must have used VHA services in the past year and be able to attend meetings. Those with severe diseases, unstable conditions, other sleep disorders or recent substance use recovery are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Evaluation
Participants complete baseline evaluations including health questionnaires, blood pressure monitoring, glucose monitoring, and sleep pattern assessments
PTSD Treatment
Participants receive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
Sleep Education Program
Participants are randomly assigned to one of two sleep education programs to address residual insomnia
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for sleep, PTSD symptoms, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Behavioral Sleep Education Intervention
- General Sleep Education Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Collaborator