Understanding how sleep affects depression and pleasure in teenagers

Mechanisms of Depression and Anhedonia in Adolescents: Linking Sleep Duration and Timing to Reward- and Stress-Related Brain Function

NIH-funded research University of Oregon · NIH-10770491

This study is looking at how the amount and timing of sleep can affect feelings of sadness and enjoyment in teenagers aged 14-19 who might be struggling with stress, to help find ways to improve their mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oregon NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Eugene, United States)
Project IDNIH-10770491 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how sleep duration and timing influence depression and the ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) in adolescents. It aims to understand the connection between sleep patterns and brain functions related to stress and reward. The study will involve both observational and experimental approaches, assessing adolescents aged 14-19 who are at risk for depression due to stressful life events. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to improve mental health in young people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 14-19 who experience short or irregular sleep patterns and show signs of depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have depressive symptoms or those outside the age range of 14-19 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating depression in adolescents by optimizing their sleep patterns.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and mental health, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Eugene, 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.