Impact of Sleep Patterns on Reward and Cognitive Control in Teenagers
Center for Adolescent Reward, Rhythms and Sleep Project 1
This study looks at how sleep patterns affect decision-making and reward sensitivity in teenagers aged 13-15 to see if better sleep can help reduce the risk of substance use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05336084 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how circadian rhythms and sleep drive affect reward sensitivity and cognitive control in adolescents aged 13-15. Participants will monitor their sleep patterns at home for two weeks before undergoing a 60-hour laboratory assessment that includes sleep studies and behavioral tests. The study aims to understand the relationship between sleep disruptions and the risk of substance use, utilizing advanced techniques such as fMRI and polysomnography. By examining both physiological and behavioral responses, the research seeks to identify potential interventions for improving sleep and cognitive outcomes in teenagers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-15 who are physically and psychiatrically healthy and currently enrolled in a traditional high school.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance use, serious medical or psychiatric disorders, or those taking certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing sleep and cognitive health in adolescents, potentially reducing the risk of substance use.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated that sleep patterns significantly influence cognitive and reward systems in adolescents.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 13-18 years * Currently enrolled in a traditional high-school (not cyber- or home-schooled) \[school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic are an exception to this\] * Physically and psychiatrically healthy * Provision of written informed consent and assent Exclusion Criteria: * outside age range above * have a history of alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug use greater than weekly use in the past year * have serious medical or neurological disorders, including history of seizures * have serious psychiatric disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) * taking antidepressants (SSRIs/SSNIs are OK) or medications known to impact sleep/wake function - some medications may be okay if willing and able to discontinue prior to and/or for laboratory procedures * have sleep disorders other than insomnia or Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder * have MRI contraindications (i.e., metal in the body; claustrophobia) * first degree relative with bipolar disorder * frequent headaches or migraines * inability to swallow pills/capsules. * pregnancy * participants with observed Obstructive Sleep Apnea via Apnealink, as indicated by an Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) of greater than 5 * Less than 80 lbs. or a BMI of greater than 35
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Western Psychiatric Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter L. Franzen, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ronette Blake, MS
- Email: blakerg2@upmc.edu
- Phone: (412) 443-3704
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.