NCT07156383 · University of Notre Dame
Restorative Effects of Sleep on Everyday Health and Wellbeing: A Treatment Study
(RESET)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanisms through which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) leads to improvements in sleep and sleep-related daytime outcomes, specifically as it relates to cortisol and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary stress response system.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanisms through which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) leads to improvements in sleep and sleep-related daytime outcomes, specifically as it relates to cortisol and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary stress response system. The primary research aims are: 1) To determine whether changes in cortisol functioning are related to improvements in sleep consolidation (4-week CBT-I), sleep duration (10-week CBT-I) or both, AND 2) to examine whether these improvements are more pronounced among individuals with insomnia and short sleep duration (compared to insomnia with 'normal' sleep duration).This study will recruit individuals with chronic insomnia: half with reported short sleep duration (less than 6 hours of sleep on an average night) and half with reported non-short sleep duration (6 or more hours per night). Participants will complete an in-lab assessment on four different occasions. During the first visit, they will confirm eligibility, complete an online survey, complete an in-lab stress task (with saliva samples), and provide a hair sample to measure cortisol (a hormone). They will then be sent home with a home sleep test as a final eligibility check (to rule out sleep disorders other than insomnia), an actigraphy watch to measure their sleep, and collection tubes to provide saliva samples to measure cortisol. We will then track the participants' sleep using online daily diaries and actigraphy for four week. Following the 4-week baseline period, participants will come in for a second in-lab visit (same procedures as the first visit) and then be randomized to receive either four or ten weeks of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). CBT-I is a empirically supported behavioral treatment for insomnia and the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Sleep patterns and insomnia symptoms will continue to be monitored via diaries during the intervention phase. The third visit will take place once the participant has completed the intervention and the fourth visit will occur three months following the third visit (3 months post-treatment). The 3rd and 4th visits will again replicate the same procedures conducted during the initial lab visit.
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
- At least 18-years-old
- Speaks English
- Meets DSM-5 criteria for Insomnia Disorder, determined through initial screener than verified during brief clinical interview (at intake)
Exclusion criteria
- Sleep disorders other than Insomnia
- Endocrine disorders
- Extreme sleep schedule (i.e. shift workers)
- Currently taking sleep medication
- Currently taking medication for endocrine dysfunction
- Currently taking medication that interferes with sleep or cortisol levels
- Excessive alcohol/substance use or AUD/SUD
- Serious mental illness
- Chronic medical conditions (which may be exacerbated by sleep restriction)
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Women in the peri-menopausal stage due to irregular menses and fluctuations in sex hormones.
Where
- Notre Dame, Indiana
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 Apr 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations