Intervention for Sleep and Pain in Youth

Intervention for Sleep and Pain in Youth: A Feasibility Study of Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention

This study tests the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a seven-session cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention to treat sleep and pain problems in youth ages 11-17 with co-morbid headache and insomnia.

Cognitive-behavioral interventions have been developed to treat childhood insomnia and childhood headache. In this study, we have combined strategies from these interventions into a single, seven-session protocol to treat sleep and pain problems in youth with co-morbid headache and insomnia. In this single-arm pilot study, we will test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• youth age 11-17 years
• chronic headache and insomnia symptoms for the past 3 months as determined on screening interview with youth and parent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• youth and parent do not read or speak English
• youth with active suicidal ideation or psychosis
• youth with diagnosis of a comorbid serious health condition (e.g., cancer, diabetes)
• youth with severe cognitive impairment
• youth with another primary sleep disorder (e.g., sleep apnea, narcolepsy) or an unusual sleep/wake schedule or circadian rhythm disorder.