Using sleep therapy to improve emotional regulation and treat depression and anxiety
Official title: A Novel Use of a Sleep Intervention to Target the Emotion Regulation Brain Network and Treat Depression and Anxiety
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10495451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $941,143 |
| NIH project number | 4R33MH120245-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10495451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who experience both elevated depressive symptoms and clinically significant insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have insomnia or who are not experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldstein-Piekarski, Andrea — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Goldstein-Piekarski, Andrea
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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.