Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 3 to 6

Investigating sleep and circadian rhythm in critically ill children

Official title: A Three-phase Pilot Study of the Feasibility of the Measurement and Promotion of Sleep and the Circadian Rhythm in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT06505447 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if giving critically ill children in the PICU more light during the day and limiting their food to daytime hours can help improve their sleep patterns.

More Critical Illness trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages3 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorState University of New York at Buffalo
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Buffalo, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 6, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2026
Study endsJanuary 1, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT06505447 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 6 years who are admitted to the PICU and are expected to stay for at least 24 to 48 hours.

Probably not a fit

Patients receiving end-of-life care or those on neuromuscular blockade will 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 pilot trial focuses on critically ill children aged 3 to 6 years in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to assess the feasibility of measuring their sleep and circadian rhythms using actigraphy and salivary melatonin levels. The study will implement two interventions: providing daytime light exposure and restricting nutrition to daytime hours. By evaluating these interventions, the research aims to determine if chronotherapeutic care can be effectively integrated into routine PICU management. The ultimate goal is to improve the understanding of sleep patterns in this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep quality and circadian regulation in critically ill children, enhancing their recovery process.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using light exposure and feeding restrictions is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving sleep in critical care settings.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Child age 3 to 6 years old on the day of PICU admission
2. English-speaking parent at the bedside
3. Child expected to remain in the PICU over 24 to 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Child is in end-of-life care
2. The child is receiving neuromuscular blockade for any reason
3. Caregiver or parent not at the bedside

Where it's running

  • John R. Oishei Children's Hospital
    Buffalo, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.