Insomnia affects about one in three adults at some point, and roughly 10% experience chronic insomnia that lasts months or years. Standard treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is considered first-line, and medications like zolpidem, eszopiclone, or low-dose doxepin. Many people cycle through multiple approaches trying to find lasting relief.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing dual orexin receptor antagonists that block wakefulness signals, drugs targeting the circadian clock system, and new delivery methods for existing medications. Research is also examining non-drug approaches like digital CBT-I apps, neurostimulation devices, and light therapy protocols. Some studies focus on insomnia linked to other conditions like depression, chronic pain, or menopause.
Orexin receptor antagonists
This drug class includes FDA-approved suvorexant and lemborexant, which block signals that promote wakefulness. Trials are testing newer versions with different dosing profiles and examining whether they work better for certain subtypes of insomnia.
Digital CBT-I
App-based versions of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia are being tested to see if they match in-person therapy results. Some programs are now FDA-authorized as prescription digital therapeutics.
Circadian-targeting drugs
Medications that work on the body's internal clock are in development, aiming to help people whose sleep-wake rhythm is misaligned. These may help shift workers, delayed sleep phase disorder, and some forms of chronic insomnia.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on insomnia duration and severity, sleep diary data, prior treatments tried, and whether insomnia occurs alone or with another condition.
What types of trials are currently open
- Medication trials — Testing new sleep medications or new formulations of existing drugs, often comparing them to placebo or standard treatments over several weeks.
- Behavioral intervention trials — Testing digital CBT-I programs, in-person therapy formats, or combinations of therapy and medication to see what produces lasting improvement.
- Device trials — Studies of neurostimulation devices, light therapy systems, or wearable sleep trackers that provide real-time feedback.
- Comorbid insomnia trials — Testing treatments specifically for insomnia that occurs alongside depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or other conditions.
- Observational studies — Following people with insomnia over time to understand sleep patterns, treatment responses, and long-term health impacts.
Recently added Insomnia trials
The Effect of a Daily Magnesium and Melatonin Supplement on Sleep Quality in People With Nighttime Leg Cramps
Participants are being invited to take part in a research study. Before deciding whether to take part, it is important for participants to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Purpose: This study will investigate whether a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement containing magnesium and melatonin can improve sleep quality in adults who experience disrupted sleep due to nighttime leg cramps. What participation involves: Participation lasts 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either the nutritional supplement or a placebo (inactive look-alike) every night before bed for 6 weeks. Participants will wear an Oura Ring wearable device on one finger continuously for 8 weeks throughout the study and complete short questionnaires using a smartphone app. The Oura Ring and study supplement will be sent to the participant's home address. Participants will never need to travel to a research centre; all contact with the research team will be by video call, phone, messaging, or email. How long: Total involvement will be 8 weeks, made up of a 2-week baseline period and a 6-week supplementation period. Each day, participants will complete a short app-based questionnaire (approximately 1 minute). At the end of weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, participants will complete additional app-based questionnaires (approximately 10 minutes).
Impact of Advanced Crohn's Disease Therapies on Sleep Quality
The goal of this observational study is to measure changes in sleep quality before and after starting treatment with advance therapy in adult with Crohn disease. The main question it aims to answer is: what is the association between response to therapy and sleeping patterns? Participants who are about to begin advanced treatment will be asked to wear a Fitbit device before end after treatment initiation to monitor sleep patterns and sleep quality, complete a sleep diary and a sleep quality questionnaire. The follow-up period will last 26 weeks, during which disease severity and response to treatment will be assessed.
Find Insomnia trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.