Understanding how sleep patterns affect depression in teenagers
Official title: Characterizing the role of sleep brain dynamics in the emergence of depression in adolescents
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11055778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep patterns and brain activity might help us understand and predict depression in teenagers, especially those whose parents have struggled with depression, so we can find ways to help them early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136554-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those with a family history of depression or experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or do not have any sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep brain dynamics and the onset of depression in adolescents. It focuses on identifying biological markers that can predict depression, particularly in those at high risk, such as children of parents with a history of major depressive disorder. By examining changes in sleep patterns and brain activity, the study aims to uncover causal mechanisms that lead to depression, which could inform early intervention strategies. The research employs objective measures of sleep disturbances, moving beyond subjective reports to provide a clearer understanding of how sleep impacts emotional regulation in youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for adolescents at risk of depression, potentially reducing the incidence of major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking sleep disturbances to depression in adolescents, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.