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If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you know how difficult it can be to feel alert the following day. How well we sleep at night affects how we think, feel and act during the day.

Now researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have launched a new study for older adults with sleep problems such as insomnia — and no in-person visits are required.

“It’s an exciting study because we are applying a smartphone-based approach to measure daytime function in participants’ homes and daily lives,” said Dr. Emerson Wickwire, section head of Sleep Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Midtown Campus and professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“The long-term goal of this project is to advance understanding and improve quality of life through improved sleep, especially as we age,” Wickwire said in an email.

“Improving sleep is one potential avenue to maintain brain health as we age. Volunteering for this study is one important way to participate in that scientific process. And our research team is highly experienced and fun to work with,” he added.

How the study works

All adults aged 60 to 85 years old are welcome to apply to participate in this remote study. Those with sleep problems such as insomnia will be randomized to an FDA-approved sleep medication or to a placebo.

The study takes several weeks. Researchers will conduct assessments over the phone and by mobile app on participants’ own smartphones.

A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) will be mailed to them prior to enrollment. Once enrolled, participants will also be mailed a Fitbit-like device to wear on their wrists. Then they’ll receive training to use the wristband and answer questions on the mobile app. Compensation will be provided.

“Our goal is for volunteers to have a seamless, rewarding experience as participants in this study,” Wickwire said. “Study staff are available throughout the study to answer questions and provide support.”

For more information, contact the study team at (410) 706-5957 or emaclinicaltrial@som.umaryland.edu.