The REST Study
Researchers at the University of Virginia are conducting a nationwide study in adults with insomnia and chronic back pain to find better ways to address these conditions.
Fast Facts
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Insomnia
Compensation
Provided
Conducted
Remotely
Study Background
Help us find out how to improve sleep and manage pain for individuals with chronic lower back pain and insomnia.
The REST study involves completing some questionnaires about your health, mood, sleep, and pain, as well as using a self-guided online sleep program called Sleep Healthy Using the Internet (SHUTi). Participants will also be randomly assigned to one of three options:
- A 4-session meditation training program via remote video with a trained professional.
- A 4-session pain education program, also delivered remotely.
- No extra training beyond the SHUTi program.
The benefits of participating may include learning helpful strategies for managing both pain and sleep disturbances, which could improve your overall well-being. While there is no guarantee of a personal benefit, your participation could contribute to research that helps others facing similar issues.
Study Background
Help us find out how to improve sleep and manage pain for individuals with chronic lower back pain and insomnia.
The REST study involves completing some questionnaires about your health, mood, sleep, and pain, as well as using a self-guided online sleep program called Sleep Healthy Using the Internet (SHUTi). Participants will also be randomly assigned to one of three options:
- A 4-session meditation training program via remote video with a trained professional.
- A 4-session pain education program, also delivered remotely.
- No extra training beyond the SHUTi program.
The benefits of participating may include learning helpful strategies for managing both pain and sleep disturbances, which could improve your overall well-being. While there is no guarantee of a personal benefit, your participation could contribute to research that helps others facing similar issues.
Additional Information
The study is being conducted to understand how to better improve sleep and manage pain for individuals who have chronic low back pain and insomnia.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults with chronic lower back pain
- Insomnia
- Difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than intended
- Experienced chronic pain for at least 3 months
- Willing to participate in 15 total hours of remote questionnaires and assessments
The REST study is fully remote. If you choose to participate in this study, you can expect to spend about 15 hours in total completing all activities. This is just an estimate—some people may need more or less time.
Here’s what your participation would involve:
- A baseline assessment (about 2 hours) at the beginning.
- About 6 hours using SHUTi, an online program.
- Online questionnaires at 4 weeks, 9 weeks, 11 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months (each taking 30-60 minutes).
If you are placed in the meditation training program (“Savoring Meditation”) or the Pain Education group, you will also complete 4 additional remote training sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes.
You will be compensated $30 for completing each assessment and will receive $50 and $100 bonuses for completing all assessments by the 6- and 12-month time points, respectively. In total, you can receive up to $330 for completing the entire study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
UVA IRB SBS#7457
UVA IRB SBS#7457