Improving sleep to help kids recover from brain injuries

Sleep Management And Recovery after Traumatic Brain Injury in Kids (SMART-Kids): Evidence for targeting sleep to improve outcomes

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10907688

This study is looking at how sleep problems can affect thinking and learning in kids who have had a brain injury, and it will also test if using melatonin can help improve their sleep while they're in the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10907688 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of sleep disturbances on cognitive function in children who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It aims to understand how sleep issues affect recovery and academic performance in these children. The study will follow a group of children over time to assess their sleep patterns and cognitive abilities, while also testing a sleep management intervention using melatonin during their hospital stay. By focusing on sleep as a modifiable factor, the research seeks to improve overall outcomes for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are experiencing sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for children recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing sleep disturbances can positively impact recovery in pediatric populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.

Where this research is happening

Portland, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.