NCT05780814 · Johns Hopkins University
The Effects of Treating Insomnia on Behavioral Weight Loss Outcomes in Survivors of Breast Cancer
(COIN)
What this study is about
The investigators propose a randomly assigned controlled clinical trial in 250 women with a history of early stage breast cancer who are overweight or obese with insomnia to test whether a brief, cognitive-behavioral intervention for insomnia (CBT-I) prior to behavioral weight loss (CBT-I+BWL) is superior to a sleep education control (EDU) condition followed by behavioral weight loss (EDU+BWL).
View original scientific description
The investigators propose a randomized controlled clinical trial in 250 women with a history of early stage breast cancer who are overweight or obese with insomnia to test whether a brief, cognitive-behavioral intervention for insomnia (CBT-I) prior to behavioral weight loss (CBT-I+BWL) is superior to a sleep education control (EDU) condition followed by behavioral weight loss (EDU+BWL). The investigators will measure outcomes at baseline, 8 weeks (after completing CBT-I or EDU and prior to BWL), and at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
The CBT-I intervention is a 6-session intervention spread out over 8 weeks that combines education and behavioral techniques to reduce insomnia.
BEHAVIORAL
Sleep Education Control (EDU)
Subjects will be instructed to read and review select publications from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Primary outcome measures
Change in Weight (pounds)
Time frame: Baseline (randomization); 8 weeks post-sleep intervention (prior to BWL); and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-BWL.
Our primary endpoint is % total weight loss (TWL) at 12 months. We will measure weight in light clothes without shoes, using a digital scale (in pounds) and height to the nearest 0.1 cm using a calibrated stadiometer, according to standardized procedures.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- Histologically-confirmed Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or stage I-III invasive carcinoma of the breast
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
- Current BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and weight ≤ 400 lbs
- Willing to lose 10% of body weight
- Diagnosed within 10 years with histologically-confirmed DCIS or stage I-III invasive carcinoma of the breast
- Completed local therapy (i.e. surgery and radiation therapy) and any planned preoperative or adjuvant chemotherapy/immunotherapy(/HER2) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapy/targeted therapy at least 3months prior to enrollment (concomitant endocrine therapy allowed)
- Completed all planned/elective surgeries \>4 weeks before enrollment
- Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for Insomnia disorder
- Self-reported initial sleep onset time and/or wake after sleep onset (WASO) time \> 30 minutes, \> 3 nights/week
- Reports sleep problems present for ≥ 3 months
- Insomnia Severity Index Score ≥ 9
Exclusion criteria
- Serious/uncontrolled medical or psychiatric condition likely to hinder participation in BWL or CBT-l (bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, seizure disorders, autoimmune disease, etc.)
- Current use of medications that cause sleep disturbances or weight gain/loss. (-) Current sedative hypnotic use
- Sleep disorder other than insomnia (mild sleep apnea or moderate to severe sleep apnea successfully treated via positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is permitted
- Currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a sleep treatment or weight loss program (agree not to enroll for the duration of the study) (-) Home sleep test Apnea/hypopnea Index (AHI) \> 15
- Participants also agree not to enroll in such a program for the duration of study participation (regardless of randomization).
- History of unstable psychiatric disorder
- Self-reported suicidal ideation or severe depressive symptoms as determined by clinical assessment, triggered by score of ≥ 20 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D)
- Lactating, pregnant or plan to become pregnant in next 14 months
- Positive urine toxicology for recreational drugs of abuse; alcohol or substance use disorder as determined by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Adapted for Use in the United States (USAUDIT294) and/or Structured Clinical Interview (SCID)
- Daily smoker/nicotine user
- Anything that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the subject at increased risk or preclude the patient's full compliance with or completion of the study
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Lutherville, Maryland
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations