Actively Recruiting
Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Led by University of Utah · Updated on 2026-03-12
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This clinical trial is studying whether a behavioral treatment can reduce nightmares in adults diagnosed with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). The study involves adults who experience frequent nightmares and aims to evaluate a non-medication therapy delivered remotely. Both participants with RBD and their family members living in the same home are included to better understand the treatment's impact. Participants will receive a behavioral intervention called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares, which consists of seven weekly therapy sessions conducted via videoconference. Family members join two of these sessions alongside the participant. The study includes a baseline assessment period of either two or four weeks before starting treatment to monitor initial nightmare frequency and severity. Throughout the study, participants will complete two assessments measuring nightmare severity and frequency using a sleep diary and the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index. The therapy sessions focus on teaching techniques to manage and change nightmares. The study will monitor outcomes before and after treatment, with all activities conducted remotely over approximately nine weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or REM Sleep Behavior Disorder secondary to neurodegenerative disease
- Age 18 or older
- Speak, read, and write English
- Live in the United States
- Nightmare frequency 3 or more times per week
- Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index score indicating nightmare disorder
- Sleep, neurological, and psychiatric medications stable for at least 1 month and willing to keep stable during study
- Live with a family member willing to participate
- Family members must be 18 or older, speak English, and live in the United States
You will not qualify if you...
- Possible dementia
- Narcolepsy
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares
- Currently in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy
- Taking medication that could cause REM Sleep Behavior Disorder if started before symptoms
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants complete baseline assessments for 2 or 4 weeks before starting treatment.
Weekly assessments via sleep diary and questionnaires
Duration - 7 weeks
Participants attend 7 weekly behavioral therapy sessions via videoconference to learn techniques for managing and changing nightmares. Family members attend 2 of these sessions.
7 weekly therapy sessions via videoconference
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84108
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jennifer Mundt, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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