Sleep brain activity and depression risk in teens
Characterizing the role of sleep brain dynamics in the emergence of depression in adolescents
['FUNDING_R21'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-11322101
This project looks at patterns of brain activity during sleep to find early signs of depression in teenagers, especially those with a parent who had depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322101 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would spend nights having your sleep recorded with noninvasive sensors that measure brain waves while researchers track mood and behavior over time. The team will focus on specific sleep brain rhythms (like slow wave activity) that change during adolescence and may signal emerging depression. Participants likely include teens at higher risk because a parent had major depression, and they will come in for sleep recordings and periodic follow-ups. The goal is to link objective sleep measurements with later mood changes to help spot risk earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescents (roughly ages 12–18) who are willing to have overnight sleep recordings and are at higher risk for depression, such as those with a parent who has a history of major depressive disorder, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Adults outside the adolescent age range or people with long-standing, severe, treatment-resistant depression are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify early sleep-related brain markers to help flag teens at higher risk for depression so they can get support sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked sleep complaints and some EEG differences to youth depression, but few have used repeated, objective sleep brain recordings over time, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES
- RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP — COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MALERBA, PAOLA — RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP
- Study coordinator: MALERBA, PAOLA
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.