Virtual Reality Relaxation for Chronic Insomnia
(iVR Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Sleep disturbances are common among chronic pain patients, with reports typically ranging from 50-70% of patients reporting sleep difficulties. It is well documented that, alongside a high comorbidity with chronic pain, chronic insomnia also has high comorbidity with, and is a risk factor for, developing an anxiety disorders. This clinical trial will examine the effects of virtual reality (VR) meditation environments on patients with pain- and insomnia-related anxiety. The purpose of this study is to examine the benefits of using VR meditation with patients with chronic pain and chronic sleep disturbance so that clinicians can more effectively treat core causes to symptoms and reduce counterproductive therapies. Research objectives include: 1. To examine the clinical and health characteristics, including sleep, pain, fatigue, cognitive abilities, and cardiovascular health in patients with chronic pain. 2. To examine changes in the primary clinical outcomes, including chronic pain, complaints of poor sleep, and fatigue. 3. To examine changes in the secondary clinical outcomes, including mood, daytime functioning, cognitive functioning, and cardiovascular health. 4. To examine the mechanistic variables, including arousal (heart rate variability, HRV) and CS (thermal response).

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

Adults over 18 with chronic insomnia and pain for more than 6 months, who have trouble sleeping or feel unrested despite having the chance to sleep, and experience daytime issues because of it. They must understand English and score ≥11 on the ISI screening. Excluded are those with other sleep disorders, severe mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, or taking certain medications.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had trouble sleeping for over 6 months, affecting my daily life.

I have been experiencing pain and trouble sleeping for over 6 months.

able to read and understand English

See 12 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am not currently participating in any non-drug treatments for pain, sleep, fatigue, or mood.

I have cognitive issues that make it hard for me to understand or follow treatment plans.

You have a serious mental health condition that is not being treated.

See 5 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Virtual Reality Mediated Relaxation (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing if virtual reality meditation can help people with chronic pain and insomnia by improving their sleep quality, reducing pain and fatigue, enhancing mood and daily function, as well as bettering cognitive abilities and heart health.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Virtual Reality Based Relaxation TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This is a pilot trial with one treatment condition (VR mediation).