Behavioral sleep intervention for preventing obesity in children

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Brief Behavioral Sleep Intervention for Excessive Weight Gain Prevention in Primary Care

Not applicable Interventional Temple University · NCT06810557

This study is testing whether helping children aged 6-11 from lower-income families improve their sleep with personal coaching or educational materials can prevent obesity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorTemple University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06810557 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare two approaches to improve nighttime sleep in children aged 6-11 years who sleep less than 9 hours per night. Families will either work one-on-one with a nurse to learn behavioral strategies to enhance sleep or receive educational materials about the benefits of good sleep. The study will involve six sessions over six months, with assessments at the start, 2 months, and 6 months to evaluate sleep duration, physical activity, and dietary habits. The focus is on children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, primarily African American or Black, to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-11 years who sleep less than 9 hours per night and have a BMI between the 10th and 95th percentiles.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed sleep disorders or those currently undergoing treatment for weight control may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help improve sleep duration in children, potentially reducing the risk of obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions to improve sleep and prevent obesity, indicating this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient at Temple Pediatrics
* Child age 6-11 years
* Child time in bed of less than 9 hours per night on most days per week
* Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and biological sex great than the 10th percentile but less than the 95th percentile
* Understanding of and ability to complete the protocol
* Parent age at least 18 years and primary caregiver
* Willingness to be randomized to either condition

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed sleep disorder
* Medication use or diagnosis of medical or psychiatric condition that may impact sleep or weight status
* Current or planned treatment for weight control

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obesity, ChildhoodShort SleepObesity Preventionsleepbehavioral interventionprimary careobesity preventionchild
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.