Using sleep therapy to improve emotional regulation and treat depression and anxiety

A Novel Use of a Sleep Intervention to Target the Emotion Regulation Brain Network and Treat Depression and Anxiety

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-10495451

This study is looking at how a special sleep program can help adults with depression and anxiety feel better by improving their sleep, and it’s designed for people who want to manage their emotions more effectively.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10495451 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how a sleep intervention can help improve emotional regulation in adults suffering from depression and anxiety. Participants will undergo a proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) program over eight weeks, which aims to enhance sleep quality and, in turn, positively affect mood and emotional responses. The study will assess changes in depressive symptoms and insomnia levels before and during the intervention, focusing on how these changes relate to brain network activity involved in emotion regulation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who experience both elevated depressive symptoms and clinically significant insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have insomnia or who are not experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for depression and anxiety by improving sleep and emotional regulation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that sleep interventions can significantly improve mood and emotional regulation, suggesting a promising avenue for treatment.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.