Examining morning exercise effects on sleep and mood in college students
Official title: Student Exercise and Sleep Timing Study - Part 2
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06336590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if exercising in the morning can help college students sleep better and feel happier compared to those who stick to evening workouts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 23 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (New Brunswick, New Jersey and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 21, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 16, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 21, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06336590 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy undergraduate students aged 18-23 who frequently exercise in the evening and report poor sleep quality.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with sleep disorders, those on sleep medications, or individuals unable to adjust their exercise schedule may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how a morning exercise intervention impacts sleep quality, mood, stress, and productivity among undergraduate students aged 18-23 who typically exercise in the evening and report poor sleep quality. Participants will be assigned to either a morning exercise group or a control group to assess changes in sleep efficiency, mood states, and stress levels over a four-week period. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of adjusting exercise timing for improved overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance sleep quality and mood for college students, leading to better academic performance and mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions on sleep and mood, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy undergraduates (18-23 years) * Frequent evening exercisers (6pm-11pm, 3+ times per week) * Poor self-reported sleep quality * Must be willing to wear wrist actigraph 24/7 except when showering/bathing Exclusion Criteria: * Sleep/circadian rhythm disorders * Medications for sleep * Inability to change schedule to exercise in AM * Inability to maintain exercise frequency over next 4 weeks
Where it's running
-
College Avenue Gym
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Cook/Douglass Rec Center
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Rutgers Fitness Center
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Rutgers Sleep Lab
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Livingston Rec Center
Piscataway, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Werblin Rec Center
Piscataway, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea Spaeth, PhD — Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
- Email: cc2250@kines.rutgers.edu
- Phone: 610-304-1363
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.