NCT07136415 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Comparing Digital Therapy, Trazodone, and Daridorexant for Menopause-Related Insomnia Symptoms
(CELESTE)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how three current insomnia therapies (trazodone, daridorexant, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) compare with each other in peri- and post-menopausal women. It will also learn about the safety of the treatments.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how three current insomnia therapies (trazodone, daridorexant, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) compare with each other in peri- and post-menopausal women. It will also learn about the safety of the treatments. The main questions it aims to answer are: Which commonly used insomnia therapies are most effective and safe for improving insomnia symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal people? How well do the treatments work for people from different backgrounds, who are at different stages of menopause, and who have different conditions common during menopause (e.g., sleep apnea, mood disturbance, etc.)? What medical problems do participants have when using these treatments? Participants will: Be asked to take trazodone every night, take daridorexant every night, or participate in an online behavioral program for insomnia, for a total of 12 months. Participate in a total of one in-person visit and 7 virtual visits (phone calls) over the 12 months. Wear (and keep) a Fitbit and fill out a daily sleep diary for at least 4 weeks over the 12 months. Fill out online surveys 4 times over the 12 months.
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
- Age 40-62 years
- Assigned female sex at birth
- In peri- or early menopause, following the STRAW criteria of self-report of irregular menstrual cycle or within 5 years from the last menstrual period. When menstrual markers are absent or unreliable (e.g., hysterectomy; endometrial ablation), participants must be older than 45 years old and report hot flashes
- Insomnia severity index score \> 10 at screening
- Insomnia started or worsened during peri- or early menopause
- English or Spanish speaking (Spanish-only speaking individuals will be recruited after full development of Spanish-facing materials, which may lag initial study start)
Exclusion criteria
- Untreated, previously diagnosed severe sleep apnea (self-report; chart review; clinician assessment)
- Untreated, previously diagnosed moderate-severe restless legs syndrome (self-report; chart review)
- Severe daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale \> 15) at screening
- Sleep schedule issues that would impact effectiveness of the interventions (e.g., night shift workers with \>1 night shift/week; main sleep period outside of 8pm - 11am)
- Regular use of hypnotics \> 2 nights/week
- Limited internet access
- Pregnant or lactating or positive urine pregnancy test at baseline visit
- Prolonged QTc interval (\>460 ms) (by study baseline electrocardiogram (EKG) or EKG report in medical record)
- History of the following health conditions: Uncontrolled hypertension; clinically significant heart disease such as arrhythmias requiring medication, cardiomyopathies, heart failure, clinically significant valvular heart disease, or severe coronary artery disease (unstable angina, myocardial infarction in the prior 6 months); hypersomnia or narcolepsy; bipolar disorder, severe depression, or psychosis ; seizure within the past year; use of opioids or substance use disorder; known allergy or contraindication to trazodone or daridorexant (self-report and chart review); known severe chronic liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis); end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis; other severe medical comorbidity (e.g. likely hospitalization within next 6 months or medical conditions that increase risk of participation at a study clinician's discretion)
- Use of medications such as those that: Have known potential for significantly prolonging the QT interval (i.e. antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, dofetilide, and ibutilide), are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, or are moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers
- Use of one of the interventions in the past 6 months
- Other conditions determined by the PI or study clinician to preclude study participation
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Novi, Michigan
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Salt Lake City, Utah
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 Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations