Program to promote better sleep in adolescents

A Sleep Promotion Program for Depressed Adolescents in Pediatric Primary Care

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT06240325

This study is testing a new sleep program for teens aged 12-18 who struggle with getting enough sleep and feeling down, to see if it helps them sleep better compared to a quick session on healthy sleep habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06240325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates a behavioral Sleep Promotion Program (SPP) designed for adolescents aged 12-18 who experience short sleep duration and sleep-wake irregularity, alongside depression. The program consists of two individual sessions and utilizes smartphone technology to implement evidence-based strategies. The feasibility and initial effectiveness of the SPP will be tested against a brief session on healthy sleep habits in a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 50 participants. The study aims to provide insights into improving sleep health among youth with specific sleep challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12-18 who are currently experiencing depression and report insufficient sleep.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical conditions or specific sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve sleep duration and overall mental health in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions to improve sleep in adolescents, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Youth:

* Able and willing to provide informed assent (with consent from parent/guardian)
* Ages 12-18
* Currently a patient at Kids Plus Pediatrics
* Currently depressed
* Report short sleep duration (\<7 hours on school nights) and/or weekday-weekend sleep timing difference of \>=2 hours

Parents:

Parents must be age 18 or older and the parent/guardian of an enrolled youth participant and must have at least 10 hours face-to-face interaction with the youth participant per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

Youth:

* Significant or unstable medical conditions
* Diagnosis of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, nightmare disorder, or periodic limb movement disorder
* Diagnosis of PTSD, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or substance use disorder
* Currently engaged in cognitive and/or behavioral therapy that aims to improve sleep
* Changes in medications in the month prior to screening
* Active suicidality requiring immediate treatment
* Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures
* Have any physical or mental condition that would preclude study participation.

Parents will be excluded if they:

* Express active suicidality that requires immediate treatment;
* Have any physical or mental condition that would preclude study participation; OR
* Are unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 SleepSleep DisturbanceInsufficient Sleep
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.