Understanding the link between depression and excessive sleepiness

Disentangling the Role of Depression in Hypersomnia

Observational University of Pennsylvania · NCT05850676

This study looks at how depression and excessive sleepiness are connected in people with certain sleep disorders to see if better understanding can help improve diagnosis and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05850676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between depression and hypersomnia, particularly focusing on individuals diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Hypersomnia Associated with a Psychiatric Disorder. By examining mood-related aspects of slow wave sleep and reward function, the study seeks to clarify the diagnostic challenges faced by clinicians in distinguishing between these two conditions. Participants will undergo sleep studies to gather objective data on their sleep patterns and mood symptoms. The findings may help improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for patients experiencing excessive sleepiness and depression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 21 to 55 who meet the DSM5 criteria for Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Hypersomnia Associated with a Psychiatric Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients suffering from hypersomnia and depression.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored the relationship between sleep disorders and mood disorders, this specific approach to disentangling the diagnostic challenges is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females between the age of 21 and 55
* Meet DSM5 criteria for Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Hypersomnia Associated with a Psychiatry Disorder
* Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
* Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index /= 15 events/hr)
* Meeting diagnostic criteria for narcolepsy
* A clinically unstable medical condition as defined by a new diagnosis or change in medical management in the previous 2 months (e.g., pneumonia, thyroid disease, ventricular arrhythmias, cirrhosis, surgery, or recently diagnosed cancer) because these changes could impact daytime hypersomnia and confound results
* Substance abuse/dependence, delirium, dementia, amnestic disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders
* Prominent current suicidal or homicidal ideation.
* Unable to perform tests due to inability to communicate verbally, inability to read and write; less than a 5th grade reading level; visal, hearing, or cognitive impairment (e.g. previous head injury)
* Use of medications or OTC products that might impact sleep

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, 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 Hypersomnia
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.