RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06383806

Decreasing Nightmares in Adults With Narcolepsy

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for the Treatment of Nightmares in Narcolepsy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

University of Utah

Enrollment

80 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Narcolepsy Without Cataplexy Narcolepsy Narcolepsy Type 1 Nightmare Nightmare Disorder With Associated Other Sleep Disorder Narcolepsy With Cataplexy

Summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is learn whether a behavioral (non-medication) treatment can reduce nightmares in adults with narcolepsy. All participants will receive the treatment and will complete three assessments. Half of the participants will receive the treatment after the first assessment, and half will receive it after the second assessment. Romantic partners of participants with narcolepsy will also be eligible to enroll in the study. Partners will complete three assessments but will not participate in the treatment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria11

PARTICIPANTS WITH NARCOLEPSY/NIGHTMARES
Diagnosis of narcolepsy type 1 or narcolepsy type 2
Nightmare frequency of ≥1 times per week
Age 18 or older
Able to speak, read, and write in English
Live in the United States
Sleep and psychiatric medications stable for ≥ 1 month and willing to keep medications stable for the duration of the study
Live with a romantic partner who meets the above criteria and has agreed to participate in the study
Age 18 or older
Able to speak, read, and write in English
Live in the United States

Exclusion Criteria5

Currently engaged in trauma- or sleep-related psychotherapy
Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares
Medical, psychiatric, or cognitive condition which would interfere with ability to engage in the treatment
Untreated moderate-severe sleep apnea
PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE PARTNERS OF SOMEONE WITH NARCOLEPSY

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALImagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT)

The intervention will consist of 7 therapy sessions (once per week for 7 weeks) which will be delivered via videoconference. During the sessions, participants will learn techniques for managing and changing nightmares.