Narcolepsy Nightmare Study

Behavioral Treatment of Narcolepsy-Related Nightmares

The goal of this clinical trial is to test two behavioral treatments for nightmares in adults with narcolepsy. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Is imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) effective for narcolepsy-related nightmares?
• Does adding targeted dream control (TDC) to IRT make it more effective?

Participants will be randomized to one of two treatment groups and will be asked to:

• Complete a daily log of sleep symptoms for up to 13 weeks.
• Attend 7 sessions of treatment.
• Complete questionnaires before and after treatment.
• Go to the research lab in Evanston, IL to complete a sleep study during a daytime nap (Chicago area residents only).

Inclusion Criteria (all participants):

• Diagnosis of narcolepsy
• Age 18 or older
• Speak English
• Live in the United States
• Receiving standard medical care for narcolepsy
• Sleep and psychiatric medications stable for at least 3 months
• Nightmare frequency of ≥3 times per week
• Nightmare Disorder Index score indicates probable nightmare disorder

Inclusion Criteria (Chicago area participants):

• Able to attend a study appointment in Evanston, IL
• Able and willing to not take wake-promoting medications on day of lab visit

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of a neurological disorder that might alter EEG
• Currently engaged in sleep- or trauma-focused psychotherapy
• Previous behavioral treatment for nightmares
• Medical, psychiatric, or cognitive condition which would interfere with ability to engage in the treatment
• Untreated sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 5)