Improving mood and sleep in menopausal women using light and sleep adjustments
Official title: Chronobiological Basis of Depression During the Menopause Transition
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT06678880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adjusting sleep schedules and using bright light can help improve mood and sleep for women going through menopause who are feeling depressed.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06678880 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are perimenopausal women over 18 years old who have irregular menstrual cycles and are experiencing moderate to severe depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of bipolar disorder, actively suicidal tendencies, or those for whom sleep restriction is contraindicated 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 clinical trial investigates whether correcting misaligned circadian rhythms can improve mood and sleep dysfunction in perimenopausal women experiencing depression. Participants will undergo a one-night sleep timing adjustment followed by two weeks of bright light exposure at specific times of the day. The study will measure melatonin levels through urine samples and assess mood and sleep through questionnaires and activity tracking devices. The goal is to determine if these interventions can effectively enhance mental health and sleep quality during menopause.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for menopausal women suffering from depression and sleep issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using light and sleep interventions to improve mood and sleep in similar populations, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 45-75 years old * Experiencing significant down, sad or hopeless feelings that are affecting their daily life * These mood changes started or got worse during the menopause transition * Irregular or no menstrual cycle for at least 6 months * Non-smoking * Located in San Diego County Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated sleep apnea * Migraine headaches that are triggered or worsened by bright light * Currently suicidal or psychotic * History of bipolar disorder * A medical condition or job where fatigue or changes in sleep schedule could be unsafe * Planning to start, stop, or change medications in the next 4 months
Where it's running
-
University of California San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Barbara Parry, M.D. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Jennifer A Perrott, MSW
- Email: jperrott@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: (407) 619-9441
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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.