Flinders University experts are inviting young South Australians aged 13–18 years to take part in a new trial designed to support teenagers experiencing posttraumatic stress and ongoing sleep problems.

Run by the Flinders’ Sleep and Psychology Laboratory, the trial offers 10 free, weekly one-hour sessions with a trained psychologist.

The program combines cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) with trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TFCBT)—approaches aimed at helping young people who have been directly or indirectly exposed to traumatic events such as assaults, car accidents, natural disasters or serious injuries.

The ‘Child and Adolescent Treatment for Trauma and Sleep’ (CHATTS) trial is funded by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation and will explore how these therapies can improve sleep, support recovery and enhance overall wellbeing in adolescents.

Parents and caregivers of teenagers with concerns about both trauma symptoms and sleep issues are encouraged to contact CHATTS@flinders.edu.au for further information.

Alice Bowie, a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology who is facilitating the trial, says trauma and sleep problems often go hand in hand—and this combination can be especially challenging during the teenage years.

“Current research shows that adolescence is a particularly vulnerable stage for developing mental health difficulties, especially when they experience potentially traumatic events such as car accidents, natural disasters, abuse or serious injuries,” says Ms Bowie.

“At a time when hormones, mood changes and school demands already place pressure on sleep, the added burden of trauma can make things significantly harder for young people.

“We’re aiming to provide treatment options that fit within the standard 10session Medicare model, using gentle, noninvasive therapies that don’t require medication such as sleeping pills.

“With sleep problems affecting up to 77% of trauma exposed young people – compared with around 15-40% in the general population – it’s crucial that we explore additional ways to support their recovery. Our goal is to help young people feel better while also reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

“There is strong evidence showing CBTi is effective for adults with chronic insomnia without relying on prescription medication. We now want to understand if similar benefits can be achieved for children and adolescents.”

Flinders University’s Professor Reg Nixon, Director of the Posttraumatic Stress Clinic, one of the supervisors on the trial says the research addresses a major gap in how trauma related sleep problems in adolescents are treated.

“We know the treatments we are trialling are effective, but this study allows us to see how well the combined approach works for young people after trauma, so participants have a real opportunity to benefit,” says Professor Nixon, also a member of the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

“Sleep disruption and trauma both can significantly affect daily life, so it is vital we test and refine treatments that help young people recover and overcome these challenging situations.”

Eligible participants will be asked to complete four questionnaires over a three-month period and attend 12 therapy sessions at Flinders University’s Bedford Park campus.

To learn more or express interest, contact CHATTS@flinders.edu.au  or call (08) 8201 5261.