Using a new sleep and circadian rhythm approach to treat depression in teenagers
Official title: A Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Engaging a Novel Sleep/Circadian Rhythm Target as Treatment for Depression in Adolescents
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11046522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new sleep therapy to help teenagers with depression who like to stay up late, by helping them get their sleep patterns in sync with their natural body clocks to see if it can lift their mood and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $636,291 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129558-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are diagnosed with major depressive disorder and exhibit evening circadian preference.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or those outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a novel cognitive-behavioral sleep therapy can help adolescents suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) who have a preference for staying up late. The approach focuses on aligning their sleep patterns with their biological circadian rhythms to improve their mood and overall mental health. By measuring specific biological markers related to sleep and wake times, the study aims to determine if this intervention can lead to significant improvements in depressive symptoms over time. Participants will be monitored and compared to a control group to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for adolescents struggling with depression, particularly those who have difficulty with traditional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting sleep and circadian rhythms in improving depression outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Asarnow, Lauren — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Asarnow, Lauren
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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.