Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

University of Utah20 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this clinical trial is learn whether a behavioral (non-medication) treatment can reduce nightmares in adults with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). People with RBD will be enrolled in the study along with their romantic partners. All participants will receive the treatment via videoconference and will complete 2 assessments. Participants with RBD will attend 7 sessions, and their partners will attend 2 of those sessions with them.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Nightmare Nightmare Disorder With Associated Other Sleep Disorder REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Interventions

The intervention will consist of 7 therapy sessions (once per week for 7 weeks) which will be delivered via videoconference. Partners will attend 2 of the 7 treatment sessions. During the sessions, participants will learn techniques for managing and changing nightmares.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of isolated RBD or RBD secondary to neurodegenerative disease * Age 18 or older * Speak, read, and write English * Live in the United States * Nightmare frequency ≥3 times per week * Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index score indicative of nightmare disorder * Sleep, neurological, and psychiatric medications stable for at least 1 month and willing to keep medications stable through the course of the study * Live with a romantic partner who is willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Possible dementia * Narcolepsy * Posttraumatic stress disorder * Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares * Currently engaged in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy * Taking a medication that could cause RBD, if the medication was started prior to onset of RBD symptoms Inclusion Criteria (Partners): * Live with a romantic partner who meets all of the above criteria * Age 18 or older * Speak, read, and write English * Live in the United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI)

The DDNSI is a questionnaire which measures the severity of nightmares.

Time frame: Baseline and posttreatment

Nightmare frequency (sleep diary)

The number of nightmares experienced each day will be collected on daily sleep diaries completed during each assessment period.