Insomnia Research Study
Penn State College of Medicine is conducting the SONO Study to better understand how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and the medication trazodone affect sleep and blood pressure in individuals with insomnia.
Fast Facts
Experience difficulty sleeping 3+ days per week and for more than 3 months
Not currently using insomnia medication regularly
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Hershey, PA
Study Background
Penn State’s SONO Study is exploring how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and the medication trazodone impact sleep quality and blood pressure in individuals with insomnia.
This research aims to uncover new insights into treating insomnia and its associated health risks. Participants will begin with assessments, including sleep diaries, activity monitoring, and blood pressure tracking at home, as well as sleep studies and blood tests conducted in a laboratory. An initial 8 week CBT-I program, which can be delivered virtually, focuses on improving sleep through personalized, evidence based therapy.
For participants who require further treatment after CBT-I, the study offers an 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trazodone trial. Like the CBT-I sessions, this phase can be conducted virtually. Follow-up assessments occur six months after treatment to measure long-term effectiveness. By joining the SONO Study, participants contribute to advancing insomnia research while accessing cutting-edge therapy and medication options to improve their sleep and overall well-being.
Study Background
Penn State’s SONO Study is exploring how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and the medication trazodone impact sleep quality and blood pressure in individuals with insomnia.
This research aims to uncover new insights into treating insomnia and its associated health risks. Participants will begin with assessments, including sleep diaries, activity monitoring, and blood pressure tracking at home, as well as sleep studies and blood tests conducted in a laboratory. An initial 8 week CBT-I program, which can be delivered virtually, focuses on improving sleep through personalized, evidence based therapy.
For participants who require further treatment after CBT-I, the study offers an 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trazodone trial. Like the CBT-I sessions, this phase can be conducted virtually. Follow-up assessments occur six months after treatment to measure long-term effectiveness. By joining the SONO Study, participants contribute to advancing insomnia research while accessing cutting-edge therapy and medication options to improve their sleep and overall well-being.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand how different treatments impact insomnia and its related health outcomes, particularly blood pressure. Insomnia is a common condition that not only disrupts sleep but is also linked to serious health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular problems. By studying the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and trazodone, researchers aim to determine how these treatments can improve sleep quality and reduce health risks associated with poor sleep.
The research also seeks to explore whether specific insomnia phenotypes—such as variations in sleep duration—respond differently to these treatments. The findings could help personalize insomnia care, making it more effective for individuals based on their unique sleep patterns and health needs.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Experience difficulty sleeping 3+ days per week and more than 3 months
- Not currently using insomnia medication regularly
- No shift work or untreated sleep apnea
- Have regular access to the internet
If you participate in the SONO Study, you will undergo a series of assessments, treatments, and follow-ups designed to understand and improve your sleep and overall health. Initially, you will complete an in-person screening at the research facility, which includes measurements like blood pressure, clinical interviews, and possibly a pregnancy test if applicable. At home, you’ll monitor your sleep using a diary and wrist activity tracker for two weeks, as well as measure your blood pressure daily for one week. You will also participate in overnight sleep studies at a lab to gather detailed sleep data.
Next, you’ll engage in an 8-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) program through sessions that can be done virtually or in person. If further treatment is needed, you may join a randomized, placebo-controlled trazodone trial for an additional 8 weeks. Throughout the study, you’ll complete home-based tasks, such as sleep diaries and activity monitoring, and return for follow-up assessments, including a six-month check-in after your last treatment. All of these steps aim to evaluate how these treatments affect your sleep, blood pressure, and overall well-being.
Participants will receive up to $465 depending on the number of assessments they are required to complete. They are paid as follows:
- Consent Visit ($50)
- Pre-Treatment Visit ($115)
- CBT-I Post Treatment Visit ($100)
- Those who enter the RCT will receive compensation for attending the RCT Post Treatment Visit ($100)
- CBT-I or Trazodone Follow Up Visit ($70)
- Attendance at all applicable study visits ($30)
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
