A programme targeting chronic insomnia
The study plans to recruit 118 full-time students aged 18 to 30 who meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia disorder. That distinction matters: the programme is not simply aimed at students who occasionally sleep poorly.
Participants are to be randomly allocated in equal numbers to the programme or a waiting-list group. The intervention comprises 12 weekly 90-minute group sessions, followed by nine monthly follow-up meetings, led by trained facilitators.
A combined approach whose effect remains to be measured
The programme combines core elements of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I, with motivational and coping strategies. The format also draws on discussion and mutual support among participants.
The abstract presents CBT-I as an established intervention for insomnia. However, this does not demonstrate the effectiveness of this particular combination, its delivery or its university-based format. That is precisely what the trial is intended to examine.
Sleep first, other potential benefits still to be tested
The primary outcome will be the change in insomnia severity, measured using the Bergen Insomnia Scale. Assessments are planned at baseline, after the 12-week programme and at 12 months.
The researchers also plan to assess subjective and objective sleep measures, mental health, cognitive performance, academic results, health behaviours, physical fitness and biological markers. This list describes research questions, not benefits already observed.
A process evaluation will examine aspects including the programme’s acceptability and implementation. It may help establish whether the programme is feasible in a university setting, beyond any potential effect on symptoms.
What this trial will actually be able to establish
Random allocation and follow-up at 12 months are strengths of the protocol. However, comparison with a waiting list will not fully separate the effects of the techniques from those of the attention received or group support.
If benefits emerge, they will initially apply to the population studied: young students with chronic insomnia. Generalising them to other age groups or occasional sleep difficulties will require further data.
Limitations to keep in mind
Only the PubMed abstract was consulted, not the full text. No effectiveness or tolerability results are provided. Funding and conflicts of interest have not been checked.
What we can take away
This protocol asks a useful question about group-based support for insomnia at university. It does not yet provide any evidence that the programme is effective.
Sources and provenance
- Effects of a sleep program on sleep, performance and health in university students: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Source date: 2026-10-30.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Pragmatic Clinical Trial · Résumé PubMed uniquement, texte intégral non consulté