CompletedNot Applicable

Narcolepsy Nightmare Study

United States7 participantsStarted 2023-02-22

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test two behavioral treatments for nightmares in adults with narcolepsy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) effective for narcolepsy-related nightmares? * Does adding targeted dream control (TDC) to IRT make it more effective? Participants will be randomized to one of two treatment groups and will be asked to: * Complete a daily log of sleep symptoms for up to 13 weeks. * Attend 7 sessions of treatment. * Complete questionnaires before and after treatment. * Go to the research lab in Evanston, IL to complete a sleep study during a daytime nap (Chicago area residents only).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria (all participants): * Diagnosis of narcolepsy * Age 18 or older * Speak English * Live in the United States * Receiving standard medical care for narcolepsy * Sleep and psychiatric medications stable for at least 3 months * Nightmare frequency of ≥3 times per week * Nightmare Disorder Index score indicates probable nightmare disorder Inclusion Criteria (Chicago area participants): * Able to attend a study appointment in Evanston, IL * Able and willing to not take wake-promoting medications on day of lab visit Exclusion Criteria: * History of a neurological disorder that might alter EEG * Currently engaged in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy * Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares * Medical, psychiatric, or cognitive condition which would interfere with ability to engage in the treatment * Untreated sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 5)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Daily diary

Timeframe: Duration of study (11-13 weeks)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05709873

SponsorNorthwestern University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-04-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Narcolepsy trials