How sound can improve sleep and emotional control in young adults with anxiety and depression
The Effect of Acoustic Enhancement of Slow-Wave Activity on Cognitive Control and Emotional Reactivity in Young Adults with Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
This study is looking at how sound can help improve deep sleep and whether better sleep can make it easier for young adults with anxiety and depression to manage their emotions and thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10923805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of acoustic stimulation on slow-wave sleep and its effects on cognitive control and emotional responses in young adults experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms. Participants will spend two nights in a sleep lab where their sleep patterns will be monitored using polysomnography. During one night, they will receive sound stimulation designed to enhance slow-wave sleep, while the other night will serve as a control with no sound. The goal is to understand how improving sleep quality can help manage emotional reactivity and cognitive control in these individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-30 who exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression and have reported sleep disturbances.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience anxiety or depression symptoms, or those with severe sleep disorders unrelated to these conditions, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression by improving sleep quality and emotional regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using acoustic stimulation to enhance sleep quality, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stepan, Michelle Elizabeth — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stepan, Michelle Elizabeth
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 below.