How sleep affects emotional regulation and brain development in young people

The role of sleep in neurodevelopmental plasticity and emotion dysregulation in youth

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11070453

This study is looking at how sleep affects the way teenagers aged 12 to 20 handle their emotions, hoping to find out how poor sleep might lead to mood problems, and it could help us find better ways to support their emotional well-being.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11070453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between sleep patterns and emotional regulation in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It aims to understand how disruptions in sleep can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, which is a significant risk factor for mood disorders and youth suicide. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI, the study will explore the brain's developmental changes during adolescence and how these changes are influenced by sleep. The findings could help identify new ways to support emotional health in young people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who experience difficulties with emotional regulation or have sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without issues related to sleep or emotional regulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing mood disorders and enhancing emotional well-being in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and emotional regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.