Participate in Research

Research participation opportunity
(limited to Canadian residents)

The Sleepwell Team at Dalhousie University are conducting a study to examine how adults with insomnia and their clinicians use two self-directed sleep resources in primary care. The study focuses on acceptability, feasibility, and support needs to understand how these resources can be integrated into routine care.

WHY is this study being done?

Insomnia is very common, yet access to first-line, evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is limited. Self-directed sleep resources may help expand access, but more research is needed to understand how patients experience different levels of self-guided sleep support and what clinicians need to help patients use these resources effectively.

WHAT is being studied?

Two printed, self-directed behavioural sleep interventions are being evaluated:

• The Full Sleep Support (FSS) workbook, a structured, 8-week CBT-I program
• The Brief Sleep Support (BSS) booklet, focused on key behavioural sleep strategies

The study examines sleep outcomes, acceptability, feasibility, and perceived support needs associated with each resource.

WHO can take part?

GENERAL PATIENT GROUP: People aged 18 years and older experiencing insomnia.

MENOPAUSAL PATIENT GROUP: People assigned female at birth aged 45-60 years of age experiencing insomnia and menopausal symptoms.

CLINICIAN POPULATION: Health care providers involved in the care of patients with insomnia (e.g., family physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social workers), who intend to receive the study resources, distribute them as part of usual care, and provide feedback on their experience.

Other eligibility criteria apply

WHAT will you be asked to do?

GENERAL AND MENOPAUSAL PATIENT GROUPS: After confirming eligibility and providing consent, you will choose one of the two resources, use it, and answer a series of questions 4 times: before starting to use the resource then every 4 weeks after that at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. You will be asked about your sleep, health, medications, and your thoughts about the resource.

CLINICIAN GROUP: After confirming eligibility and providing consent, you will receive printed copies of both resources to distribute to your patients. Six months later, you’ll be invited to complete brief surveys about your experience.