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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | State University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 6, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06505447 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
- Study coordinator: Amanda B Hassinger, MD
- Email: albrooks@buffalo.edu
- Phone: 716-323-0158
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Combining sleep promotion and cognitive training to improve brain function in older ICU survivors
This study is testing if helping older adults who survived ICU treatment sleep better and do brain exercises can improve their thinking skills.
-
Lemborexant to help Sleep and Delirium in older ICU patients
This study tests whether lemborexant, a sleep medication, helps improve sleep and reduce delirium in adults 65 and older in the ICU.
-
Improving Sleep for Older Adults in the Emergency Department
This project tests whether wearing a Fitbit overnight can help understand and improve sleep for adults 70 and older in the emergency department who are likely to be admitted.
-
Predicting Extubation Problems With Machine Learning
This study tests whether computer models can predict extubation failure in adults on ventilators in the ICU.
-
Levetiracetam Dosing in Critically Ill on CRRT
This study tests how levetiracetam behaves in the bodies of adults on continuous renal replacement therapy to help figure out the best dosing.
-
Respiratory Physiotherapy in Critically Ill Pneumonia Patients
This study tests whether a structured breathing and chest therapy program can change inflammatory biomarkers in adults with pneumonia in the ICU compared to usual care.
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.