diff --git a/hermes_state.py b/hermes_state.py
index bda6eeacd62..6deda428dc1 100644
--- a/hermes_state.py
+++ b/hermes_state.py
@@ -522,6 +522,8 @@ CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_compression_locks_expires ON compression_locks(ex
 DEFERRED_INDEX_SQL = """
 CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_messages_session_active
     ON messages(session_id, active, timestamp);
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_sessions_handoff_state
+    ON sessions(handoff_state, started_at);
 """
 
 FTS_SQL = """