Helping preschool children with ADHD improve their sleep through parent interventions
Official title: A Parent Behavioral Intervention Targeting Sleep Among Preschool Aged Children at Elevated Risk for ADHD: A Pilot Effectiveness Trial in Pediatric Primary Care
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10975375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly program to help preschool kids who might have ADHD get better sleep, making it easier for parents to manage bedtime challenges with the support of trained therapists in their doctor's office.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $202,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH131993-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) who exhibit symptoms of ADHD or are at elevated risk for developing ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sleep issues or those who are not at risk for ADHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a behavioral intervention aimed at improving sleep in preschool-aged children who are at risk for ADHD. The approach involves adapting an existing program that helps parents manage disruptive behaviors associated with ADHD, specifically targeting sleep-related issues. The intervention will be delivered by trained behavioral health therapists within pediatric primary care settings, making it more accessible for families. By addressing sleep problems, the research aims to alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD and improve overall child development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better sleep for preschool children at risk for ADHD, potentially reducing their ADHD symptoms and improving their social and academic skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral interventions can effectively address ADHD symptoms, but this specific approach targeting sleep in preschool children is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joseph, Heather Marie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Joseph, Heather Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.