Understanding Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder
Official title: Pathophysiology of Circadian Rhythm Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder
Run by University of Colorado, Boulder · NCT06471374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand what causes delayed sleep wake phase disorder by comparing people with the condition to healthy individuals and looking at their sleep patterns, light exposure, and blood sugar levels.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Boulder Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boulder, Colorado and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2028 |
| Study ends | July 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06471374 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with delayed sleep wake phase disorder who reside at high altitudes and have a normal to moderately overweight BMI.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, other sleep disorders, or those on medication may 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 study aims to investigate the factors contributing to delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD) by comparing patients with DSWPD to healthy controls in terms of circadian rhythm alterations and light sensitivity. Participants will undergo a series of in-person visits and ambulatory monitoring sessions, where they will wear devices to track their sleep, light exposure, and blood sugar levels. The study will also explore a novel method of predicting circadian rhythms from blood samples, providing insights into the biological underpinnings of DSWPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of delayed sleep wake phase disorder, enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of assessing circadian rhythms and light sensitivity is established, the specific methodology of predicting circadian rhythms from blood samples is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Delayed sleep wake phase disorder diagnosis * Altitude history: currently residing at Denver altitude or higher * BMI normal to moderately overweight Exclusion Criteria: * Recent medical condition * Psychiatric disorder * Sleep disorder * Medication use
Where it's running
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kenneth Wright, PhD — University of Colorado, Boulder
- Study coordinator: Kenneth Wright, PhD
- Email: sleep.study@colorado.edu
- Phone: 303-735-1923
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Morning bright light therapy to slow or prevent adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
This will try morning bright light therapy to see if it can slow curve progression or prevent new scoliosis in 10–15-year-olds who have evening sleep patterns.
-
Improving sleep to help adolescents with depression
This study is testing if a new sleep program can help teenagers with depression feel better by improving their sleep schedule.
-
Evaluating Lemborexant for Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
This study is testing if a medication called Lemborexant can help people with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome fall asleep faster and improve their overall sleep quality.
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.