RecruitingInterventional

Tailored management of sleep (TIMES) for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment

The TIMES study aims to help people with dementia or mild memory problems get better sleep. Good sleep can really boost your overall health. We're looking for people with these conditions and their family members or carers to join. Current sleep treatments aren't always available or effective, so this study uses a special health plan, made with you, your carer, and your GP, to improve sleep. By taking part, you'll help us learn how to provide better care for people living with dementia or mild memory problems, and their carers, in the future. The study lasts 15 weeks and involves questionnaires and doctor's visits.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

420

Start

16 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

07 Oct 2026

Dementia, mild cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance

What is this study about?

Good sleep is really important for everyone's health and happiness. For people living with dementia or mild memory problems, getting a good night's sleep can be particularly challenging, and current ways to help aren't always effective. That's why we're running the TIMES study.

This study is looking for new ways to help people with dementia or mild memory problems, and their carers, improve their sleep. We want to work with you to create a special health plan, together with your doctor and a family member or carer. This plan will be designed just for you to help improve your sleep and overall wellbeing. We believe that by working closely with your GP and those who support you, we can find more effective and helpful ways to manage sleep difficulties.

By taking part in the TIMES study, you're not just helping yourself; you're also helping us learn a lot. The information we gather will be used to understand how we can provide even better care and support for other people with dementia or mild memory problems, and their families, in the future. Your involvement is really valuable in helping us improve healthcare for many.

Key takeaways

A study for people with dementia or mild memory problems and their carers.
Aims to improve sleep through a personalised health plan with your GP.
Participation involves questionnaires and potentially GP consultations over 15 weeks.
Helps researchers understand how to provide better future care.
Minimal risks; support is available from the study team.
Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (UK).

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join the study if you are 18 years or older and have been diagnosed with dementia or mild memory problems. You need to be registered with one of the participating GP practices in England and live at home or in a community care home. It's also important that you have a family member or professional carer who can support you for at least an hour a week and help with some study tasks.

We need to make sure you can understand and answer questions in English. If you can't give your own permission to join, we may be able to speak with someone close to you who can make decisions on your behalf about taking part in research. You won't be able to join if you have very serious health issues, are receiving end-of-life care, or will be unavailable for more than three weeks during the study period.

For the carer helping you, they also need to be 18 or older, live in England, and be able to communicate in English. They must have experience caring for you and be able to help with questionnaires. They can't be suffering from severe health problems themselves that would make it hard for them to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with dementia or mild memory problems?
Do you have a family member or carer who can help you?
Are you registered with a GP practice in England?
Can you understand and answer questions in English?
Are you generally well enough to take part in a 15-week study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the TIMES study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance: either the 'TIMES intervention' group or the 'usual care' group. The study will last for about 15 weeks in total.

Throughout these 15 weeks, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires about your sleep, health, and how you're feeling. This will happen at the very beginning, then again at 9 weeks, and finally at 15 weeks. Each time, it should take about 30 minutes, and your family member or carer will be there to help you.

If you're in the 'TIMES intervention' group, you and your family member or carer will have two appointments with your GP: one lasting 30 minutes and another for 15 minutes. During these appointments, you'll chat about your health and work together to create a plan to improve your sleep. We might also invite you to share your experiences through optional interviews and additional questionnaires, but these are completely up to you.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the TIMES study generally involves very little risk. Some people might find it a bit upsetting to talk about their health problems or changes in their wellbeing, but our study team will be there to support you if you need it. A specially trained research nurse will guide you through the process of deciding if you want to join, making sure your wishes are understood. While there's no guarantee this study will directly benefit you, the information we learn will greatly help us improve care for other people with dementia or mild memory problems in the future. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

South West Peninsular RRDN
City only
Exeter, England

Common questions

What is mild cognitive impairment?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means you have some memory or thinking problems that are more noticeable than usual for your age, but they haven't affected your daily life and activities as much as dementia would.

What does 'randomly assigned' mean?

It means you'll be put into one of the study groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Neither you nor the researchers choose which group you are in.

Will my regular doctor know I'm in the study?

Yes, your GP will be involved in the study, especially if you are in the group that receives the special sleep plan.

What if I can't communicate well?

You need to be able to communicate in English well enough to answer questions. If you have any difficulties, your carer can assist you with your answers.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by a UK organisation called the National Institute of Health and Care Research.

How to find out more

Jayden van Horik

TIMES@exeter.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.