Efficacy of CBT-I With Adjuvant Melatonin in Older Adults Chronic Insomnia
Key facts
- Where
- Hong Kong, Hong KongSee the site
Where in Hong Kong
- Sleep Research Clinic and Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong KongContact: Zihan ChenTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- The University of Hong Kong
- Trial code
- NCT07695246
- Record updated
- 21 August 2026
- Original description
This study tests the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) with or without adjunct melatonin in older adults with insomnia. Adults aged 60 or above with chronic insomnia will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) CBT-I plus nightly melatonin, (2) CBT-I plus nightly placebo tablet, or (3) sleep health psychoeducation plus nightly placebo tablet. All group sessions occur weekly for four weeks.Read full original descriptionShow less
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia With Adjuvant Melatonin Treatment in Older Adults With Chronic Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
This study tests the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) with or without adjunct melatonin in older adults with insomnia. Adults aged 60 or above with chronic insomnia will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) CBT-I plus nightly melatonin, (2) CBT-I plus nightly placebo tablet, or (3) sleep health psychoeducation plus nightly placebo tablet. All group sessions occur weekly for four weeks.
Inclusion: Chinese aged ≥ 60; Provision of written informed consent; Having a DSM-5 diagnosis of insomnia disorder (i.e., having difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or early morning awakening at least three times a week for at least three months, with clinically significant impairment or distress); Having a score of > 14 on the ISI, indicating clinical insomnia.
Exclusion: Concurrent and regular use of extraneous melatonin or melatonin agonist (e.g., ramelteon); Receiving concurrent psychological treatment for insomnia; Having a current diagnosis or a history of manic or hypomanic episodes, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurocognitive disorders, organic mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, or substance abuse or dependence; Having a progressive medical condition directly related to the onset and course of insomnia (e.g., cancer, chronic pain); Undergoing treatment for diseases known to affect sleep (e.g., chemotherapy); Having an untreated sleep disorder that may disrupt sleep continuity and quality (e.g., sleep-disordered breathing) except for insomnia disorder; Having mild to significant cognitive impairment, defined by having a score of < 22 on MOCA; Meeting potential contraindications for melatonin (e.g., undergoing dialysis) or concurrently using medications that have a potential drug interaction with melatonin (e.g., anticoagulant and anti-platelet); Being a night shift worker.