Improving sleep to help adolescents with depression

A Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Engaging a Novel Sleep/Circadian Rhythm Target as Treatment for Depression in Adolescents

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Los Angeles · NCT06139861

This study is testing if a new sleep program can help teenagers with depression feel better by improving their sleep schedule.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06139861 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to test whether enhancing the alignment between biological circadian timing and waketime can lead to better depression outcomes in adolescents suffering from depression and delayed sleep phase. It employs a cognitive-behavioral sleep intervention called TranS-C, along with psychoeducation, to address these issues. The trial is designed to be sufficiently powered to confirm the efficacy of this approach in a targeted adolescent population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents diagnosed with depression who also experience a misalignment between their biological circadian timing and waketime.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions such as active psychosis or bipolar disorder, or those currently using medications that affect sleep, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for adolescents struggling with depression and sleep issues.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive-behavioral interventions to improve sleep and mental health outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria:

* mental health/behavioral symptoms that would preclude productive engagement in study assessments or intervention (e.g., active psychosis; Bipolar Disorder; drug dependence
* severe or unstable medical or psychiatric condition such that treatment has changed within the last month or is expected to change during the course of the study or that would preclude ability to adhere to study procedures (e.g. terminal end-stage cancer)
* current use of medications or herbs with known effects on sleep
* plan to undergo or have had medication change in the last 8 weeks

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Depression in AdolescenceDelayed Sleep PhaseDepressionAdolescentsSleepIntervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.