Military PTSD & Insomnia Research Study
Researchers at the National Center for PTSD at the Palo Alto VA are conducting a study on a fast, focused treatment program for service members and veterans experiencing insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Symptoms of PTSD & Insomnia
Active-Duty Service Members or Veterans
Compensation
Provided up to $200
Conducted in
Texas
Study Background
A new, accelerated workshop may help service members and veterans improve sleep, reduce nightmares, and ease PTSD symptoms in a shorter amount of time.
Many service members and veterans struggle with poor sleep, distressing nightmares, and lingering PTSD symptoms. These problems often occur together and can be difficult to manage with traditional treatment approaches. Standard therapies typically require weekly sessions over the course of several months, which can be challenging to start and even harder to complete.
This study is testing two versions of a brief, five-day treatment workshop designed to help participants sleep better, decrease nightmares, and reduce PTSD symptoms more efficiently. The workshop teaches practical skills, includes guided therapy exercises, and is led by trained clinicians who specialize in treating trauma-related sleep problems. Participants will receive high-quality, evidence-based care at no cost and will not be asked to share details of traumatic events during the workshop.
Study Background
A new, accelerated workshop may help service members and veterans improve sleep, reduce nightmares, and ease PTSD symptoms in a shorter amount of time.
Many service members and veterans struggle with poor sleep, distressing nightmares, and lingering PTSD symptoms. These problems often occur together and can be difficult to manage with traditional treatment approaches. Standard therapies typically require weekly sessions over the course of several months, which can be challenging to start and even harder to complete.
This study is testing two versions of a brief, five-day treatment workshop designed to help participants sleep better, decrease nightmares, and reduce PTSD symptoms more efficiently. The workshop teaches practical skills, includes guided therapy exercises, and is led by trained clinicians who specialize in treating trauma-related sleep problems. Participants will receive high-quality, evidence-based care at no cost and will not be asked to share details of traumatic events during the workshop.
Additional Information
This study aims to learn whether a short, intensive treatment workshop can effectively improve insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms in service members and veterans.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Active-duty service members or veterans
- Experience symptoms of PTSD (e.g., have nightmares at least once a month, upsetting traumatic memories, avoidance of reminders of trauma)
- Experience symptoms of insomnia (e.g., difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Live in Texas
- Able to attend in-person study visits in either San Antonio or Fort Hood, TX
- Experience at least one nightmare a month
- Not currently pregnant
- Agree to not start new treatments for PTSD, sleep, or nightmares during the study
- Ages 18-65
Participants will:
Complete a baseline assessment, including interviews about sleep and PTSD symptoms.
Keep a brief daily Sleep Diary during the treatment phase.
Attend a one-on-one Pre-Workshop Orientation session (virtual or in-person).
Take part in a five-day treatment workshop (4 hours per day) in a small group with two trained therapists (in-person).
Complete a short post-workshop assessment online about one week later.
Attend a Post-Workshop Booster Session 1–3 weeks after the workshop (virtual or in-person).
Complete follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after the workshop (online or in-person depending on the visit).
Eligible participants will receive $50 for each assessment, up to $200 total for completing the baseline and follow-up assessments.
Participants receive free access to a high-quality, evidence-based treatment program that targets insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms all at once, and in a much shorter timeframe than standard care.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.