Manipulating sleep and circadian rhythms to understand their effects on reward function in teenagers
Center for Adolescent Reward, Rhythms and Sleep Project 2
NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT04792697
This study is testing how changes in sleep and light exposure can affect teenagers' sensitivity to rewards and their risk of using substances.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04792697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances affect reward sensitivity and substance use risk in adolescents. It employs a multi-method approach to explore the relationship between sleep patterns, circadian alignment, and the brain's reward circuitry. Participants will undergo interventions such as increased morning bright light exposure, decreased evening blue light exposure, and structured sleep scheduling while their sleep, mood, and substance use are monitored. The goal is to identify modifiable risk factors for substance use disorders during this critical developmental period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are typically enrolled high school students who have a habitual bedtime later than 11:15 PM and are physically and psychiatrically healthy.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance use or significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective interventions that reduce substance use risk in adolescents by improving sleep and circadian alignment.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, previous studies have indicated a link between sleep disturbances and substance use, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Typically enrolled in a traditional high-school with synchronous learning (in-person or online synchronous learning, but not cyber- or home-schooling) \[school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic are an exception to this\] * Physically and psychiatrically healthy * Provision of written informed consent and assent * Additional inclusion criterion for Experimental protocol: Meets operational definition of late sleep timing (\>10:50PM habitual bedtime) Exclusion Criteria: * History of alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug use in the past month, or greater than monthly use in the past year * Significant or unstable acute or chronic medical conditions * Frequent headaches or migraines * History of seizures * Current serious psychiatric disorder (e.g., depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, psychotic disorder diagnosis, alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder) that would interfere with completion of study procedures * Current syndromal sleep disorders other than insomnia and delayed sleep phase disorder * MRI contraindications (i.e., absence of metal in the body, claustrophobia) * Medications that increase sensitivity to blue light/photosensitizing medications, including psychiatric neuroleptic drugs, psoralen drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, etc. * Changes to psychotropic medication regimen in the 2 weeks prior to enrollment, and/or major changes to medications during the study protocol * If participants have an average bedtime that is later than 3:00AM or an average wake time later than 11:00AM they may be excluded from the study * Participants should be EXCLUDED for other sleep disorders that require ongoing treatment * Participants should be EXCLUDED for other sleep disorders that cause significant distress or impairment, per DSM 5 criteria in the Sleep SCID.
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Western Psychiatric Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brant Hasler, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ronette G Blake, MS
- Email: blakerg2@upmc.edu
- Phone: (412) 246-6443
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.
Conditions: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, adolescence, sleep, substance use, reward sensitivity and motivation, circadian phase and alignment, inhibition