Research
The BSM Lab conducts behavioral clinical trials across various phases from treatment-development to implementation science. These include feasibility trials, efficacy/effectiveness trials and large-scale pragmatic trials conducted in real-world settings. Information about our current and past projects are listed below.
Current Projects
The EXPLAIN Study
The EXPLAIN Study (EXamination of Partners and Loved ones of Adults with Idiopathic hypersomnia and Narcolepsy) aims to learn about family members (including romantic partners) of adults with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and narcolepsy. The study will examine how family members are affected by their loved one’s sleep disorder, what kind of support family members provide to patients, and what kind of support family members themselves need. The goal of this study is to determine how to best support and leverage family members in order to improve treatment outcomes for people with IH/narcolepsy. Adults who have an adult family member or romantic partner with IH or narcolepsy are eligible to participate. Participation involves completing an online survey which will take about 15 minutes to complete
If you are interested in participating in this study, please email the BSM Lab or call 312-503-4769.
The ASCENT Study
The ASCENT Study (Awareness and Self-Compassion Enhancing Narcolepsy Treatment) aims to test the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for improving health-related quality of life as a complementary practice to standard care for narcolepsy. This study is a feasibility trial in which 60 adults with narcolepsy will be randomized to receive either a four-week (brief), eight-week (standard) or 12-week (extended) MBI. Each MBI will be delivered in small groups using a live videoconferencing platform and teaches mindfulness practices to help cope with narcolepsy symptoms. By developing a scalable mind-body intervention, this project can address a major research gap on improving psychosocial functioning in people with narcolepsy.
Recruitment for this study has been completed. We are no longer enrolling participants.
Previous Projects
The PATH Study
The Path Study (Psychosocial Adjunctive Treatment for Hypersomnia) is a Phase 1 study to develop and conduct initial testing on the feasibility and acceptability of a psychosocial intervention for people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. The overall goal is to evaluate the potential use of this adjunctive approach to reduce symptoms of depression and improve health-related quality of life in people who are receiving standard pharmacological treatment for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
The MATRICS Study
The Multidisciplinary Approaches to Treatment for Insomnia and Co-morbid Sleep Apnea study aims to investigate the effectiveness of different combinations and sequences of evidence-based treatment strategies for people with both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Insomnia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions using a medical device known as CPAP, or using this device in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The overall goal of this project is to identify the optimal combination and sequences of these treatment approaches in order to provide guidelines for improving patient care for individuals with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.
The SANDMAN Study
The Sleep Assessment Across Night and Day Among Migraine and Non-Migraine Individuals explored the neurobiological correlates of sleep regulation in chronic migraine patients. Ultimately, sleep behaviors (e.g., napping, time in bed, etc) and sleep physiology (via polysomnography and dim light melatonin onset) of 20 individuals with chronic migraine and 20 matched healthy controls were examined to determine if individuals with chronic migraine have instability in sleep behaviors, unique microarchitecture, or circadian misalignment. The aim of the study was to determine more precise ways to improve sleep for those individuals who suffer from chronic migraine.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia
This was a Phase 2 study examining preliminary efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBTI), a standard mindfulness-based intervention (MBSR), and a self-monitoring control condition. Outcome measures included polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep diaries and self-reported measures of insomnia.