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Testing an online program for managing insomnia in inflammatory arthritis

We are sharing a research study opportunity from the Da Costa Lab and Arthritis Research Canada. Please see below for their recruitment notice: 

Why do this research? 

Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and/or waking up early without being able to fall back asleep (all types of insomnia), are reported in up to 70% of persons living with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, a rate that is 3-4 times higher than in the general population. Our research team has adapted an online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program to meet the needs of individuals with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The original CBT program was shown to be effective. A major benefit of an online self-paced CBT program is its flexible and accessible nature.

What will be done?

You will be asked to complete an online surveys on 3 occasions: at the study entry, 2 months, and 3 months after you enter the study.  We ask about demographic information, your sleep, your health, your mood, your work and your satisfaction with the program.  Each survey will take 30-40 minutes to complete.

The 8-week online CBT program offers psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioural strategies to help participants manage their symptoms of insomnia and their mental health. Participants will receive a $10 gift card after completing each survey (meaning participants will receive $30 in total by the end).

You are welcome to contact us to join the study if you have an inflammatory rheumatic condition including but not limited to:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Other Spondyloarthropathies
  • Lupus
  • Other Inflammatory Rheumatic conditions

We are recruiting participants for our study on inflammatory rheumatic conditions and sleep. If osteoarthritis is the only type of arthritis you have, you won't be able to join the study. If you have osteoarthritis and a type of inflammatory arthritis, you are eligible for the study (as long as you also meet the following criteria)

  • Are between 18 - 80 years of age.
  • Are a Canadian resident.
  • Are experiencing trouble sleeping and suspect you might have insomnia (we will assess this portion of the eligibility criteria over a short phone call).

How to join this study?

If you think you might be interested in participating, visit our website to answer a few quick questions about yourself and a member from the research team will contact you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at REPOSE@rimuhc.ca