Trial Outcomes & Findings for Insomnia Treatment and EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) Outcomes (NCT NCT05908526)

NCT ID: NCT05908526

Last Updated: 2025-10-30

Results Overview

This measure assesses daytime symptoms and functional impairments in five domains: alert cognition, fatigue, sleepiness, negative mood, and positive mood. Participants will complete this survey four times per day on their smart phone for approximately 16 days. The possible score range is 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater levels of a given construct.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

40 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Results posted on

2025-10-30

Participant Flow

Participants were recruited to the study in several ways (i.e., volunteer lists, mailings based on EPIC searches, newspaper advertisements, online and social media advertisements, public presentations, and word of mouth and study fliers). The participants were provided with study staff contact information, and the participant called. For online and social media, advertisements, and recruitment pathways, if interested the participant would complete online preliminary screening questionnaire.

The study participants that were confirmed eligible were randomized to drug or placebo in a 1:1 ratio by the IDS pharmacy.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Treatment
Participants will start on 10mg suvorexant, po, qhs, including instructions on dosage, expectations, and potential side effects, for two nights. Following this low-dose run-in period, individuals in the treatment condition will be increased to 20mg for a 14-day active treatment period (i.e.,16 nights taking a pill). Other assessments include self-report research questionnaires and cognitive testing (completed at baseline and post-treatment), as well as EMA surveys, daily sleep diaries, and actigraphy.
Placebo
Participants in the control condition will take placebo (no drug) pill form, po, qhs, including instructions on dosage, expectations, and potential side effects for (16 nights taking a pill). Other assessments include self-report research questionnaires and cognitive testing, daily sleep diaries, and actigraphy.
Overall Study
STARTED
20
20
Overall Study
COMPLETED
20
20
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Insomnia Treatment and EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) Outcomes

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants will start on 10mg suvorexant, po, qhs, including instructions on dosage, expectations, and potential side effects, for two nights. Following this low-dose run-in period, individuals in the treatment condition will be increased to 20mg for a 14-day active treatment period (i.e.,16 nights taking a pill). Other assessments include self-report research questionnaires and cognitive testing (completed at baseline and post-treatment), as well as EMA surveys, daily sleep diaries, and actigraphy.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants in the control condition will take placebo (no drug) pill form, po, qhs, including instructions on dosage, expectations, and potential side effects for (16 nights taking a pill). Other assessments include self-report research questionnaires and cognitive testing, daily sleep diaries, and actigraphy.
Total
n=40 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Customized
60 to 69 years old
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
12 Participants
n=7 Participants
24 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Customized
70 to 79 years old
8 Participants
n=5 Participants
8 Participants
n=7 Participants
16 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Customized
80-85 years old
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
18 Participants
n=5 Participants
18 Participants
n=7 Participants
36 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=7 Participants
4 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
7 Participants
n=5 Participants
5 Participants
n=7 Participants
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
13 Participants
n=7 Participants
25 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=7 Participants
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia.

This measure assesses daytime symptoms and functional impairments in five domains: alert cognition, fatigue, sleepiness, negative mood, and positive mood. Participants will complete this survey four times per day on their smart phone for approximately 16 days. The possible score range is 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater levels of a given construct.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Alert Cognition morning
65.96 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.66
70.34 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 19.63
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Alert Cognition midday
69.22 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 20.30
72.32 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 18.45
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Alert Cognition afternoon
69.72 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 20.35
71.08 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 17.89
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Alert Cognition evening
67.54 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 19.28
69.05 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 17.09
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Fatigue/sleepiness morning
36.80 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 25.74
35.83 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 28.80
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Fatigue/sleepiness midday
35.52 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 23.94
34.03 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 27.18
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Fatigue/sleepiness afternoon
33.01 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 24.18
38.72 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 25.56
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Fatigue/sleepiness evening
38.17 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 23.09
43.58 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 26.45
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Negative Mood morning
27.24 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 23.76
21.71 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 22.17
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Negative Mood midday
26.40 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 23.27
21.60 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.66
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Negative Mood afternoon
25.35 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 22.33
21.79 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.66
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Negative Mood evening
26.09 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 22.01
21.02 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.74
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Positive Mood morning
64.42 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.89
69.09 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 19.34
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Positive Mood midday
67.23 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 20.74
70.90 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 18.04
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Positive Mood afternoon
67.95 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 20.29
69.98 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 18.45
Change in Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Scale (DISS)
Positive Mood evening
66.33 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 18.99
69.00 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 16.52

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia.

The Insomnia Severity Index is a brief self-report instrument that measures subjective symptoms and consequences of insomnia as well as the degree of distress caused by those difficulties. Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating greater insomnia severity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Insomnia Severity as Assessed by Insomnia Severity Index
-9.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.4
-5.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.8

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a brief self-report instrument that measures daytime sleepiness. Total scores range from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleepiness.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Sleepiness as Assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale
-4.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.7
-2.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.6

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a brief self-report instrument that measures depressive symptoms. Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Depression as Assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9
-2.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2
-2.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia.

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 is a brief self-report instrument that measures anxiety symptoms. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Anxiety as Assessed by Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7
-3.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.1
-1.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for ten participants (five in each treatment group).

PVT is a computer-based, chronometric test to measure reactions to specified small changes in a changing environment. Response time is scored in seconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=15 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the PVT (Psychomotor Vigilance Test): Lapses
3.33 Lapses (reaction time >500 milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 6.08
-1.13 Lapses (reaction time >500 milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 4.91

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for ten participants (five in each treatment group).

PVT is a computer-based, chronometric test to measure reactions to specified small changes in a changing environment. Response time is scored in seconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=15 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the PVT (Psychomotor Vigilance Test): Median Reaction Time
17.97 Reaction Time (milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 39.9
-10.23 Reaction Time (milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 23.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for ten participants (six in the treatment group and four in the placebo group).

Stroop test is a computer-based test of colors and words to measure cognitive interference. Response time is scored in seconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=14 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=16 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the Stroop Test: Accuracy
-0.02 Number of Errors
Standard Deviation 0.19
0.02 Number of Errors
Standard Deviation 0.09

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for ten participants (six in the treatment group and four in the placebo group).

Stroop test is a computer-based test of colors and words to measure cognitive interference. Response time is scored in milliseconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=14 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=16 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the Stroop Test: Response Time in Milliseconds
-131.3 Response time in milliseconds
Standard Deviation 626.7
-403.6 Response time in milliseconds
Standard Deviation 919.5

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for six participants (three in each treatment group).

Task-switching is a computer-based, chronometric test to measure response time and response accuracy. Response time is scored in milliseconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=17 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=17 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the Task-switching: Response Time in Milliseconds
-158.01 Response Time (milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 535.48
-278.42 Response Time (milliseconds)
Standard Deviation 630.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline (start of study) and end of study (before day 16).

Population: Older adults with insomnia. Usable data was not available for six participants (three in each treatment group).

Task-switching is a computer-based, chronometric test to measure response time and response accuracy. Response time is scored in seconds. Response accuracy is scored numerically, with lower numbers indicating better response accuracy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=17 Participants
Participants randomized to suvorexant (SUV)
Placebo
n=17 Participants
Participants randomized to placebo (PBO)
Change in Cognitive Performance Assessed by the Task-switching
0.01 Number of Errors
Standard Deviation 0.14
0.02 Number of Errors
Standard Deviation 0.09

Adverse Events

Treatment

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Emerson Wickwire, PhD

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Phone: 410-706-4771

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place