Lay-led sleep therapy shows promise for older adults with insomnia
NCT ID NCT07486973
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a short, four-session cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) group, led by trained laypersons, can improve sleep quality in older adults in Hong Kong. Fifty participants aged 45 and older with mild depression and sleep problems will either join the group or receive a sleep hygiene booklet. The study will measure changes in sleep quality and how acceptable the program is.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) delivered in a group format by trained laypersons
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-cost, scalable way to improve sleep in older adults without needing a specialist.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. The intervention is brief and led by non-experts, which may limit its effectiveness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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45 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 45 or older * Have a PHQ-9 score between 5-9, and item 3 must be scored at 2 or higher * Experiencing existing symptoms of depression and sleep disturbance * Capable of providing informed consent for their participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Known history of intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia * Assessed to be at active suicidal risk * Significant difficulties in communication
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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