Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

Mind After Midnight

ConditionsSuicidal IdeationCircadian Rhythm DisordersSleep DeprivationSleep Wake Disorders
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-55
SponsorUniversity of Arizona

About this trial

This study examines whether wakefulness during the biological night (2:00-4:00 AM) is associated with increased negative mood, impaired decision-making, and suicidal thoughts. Adults with a history of suicidal ideation in the past six months will complete laboratory and home-based assessments under varying levels of sleep pressure. Participants will be evaluated during late-night wakefulness and under conditions of both higher and lower sleep pressure. The goal of the study is to better understand the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may contribute to elevated suicide risk during nocturnal wakefulness.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age 18-55 years

History of suicidal ideation within the past 6 months

Habitual bedtime between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM

Habitual wake time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM

Disqualifiers

Current suicidal intent requiring immediate clinical intervention

Diagnosis of a primary sleep disorder (e.g., untreated obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy)

Bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder

Substance use disorder within the past 3 months

Trial design

Design model

Crossover

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Sleep Pressure Manipulation

    Behavioral

    Participants undergo an experimental manipulation of homeostatic sleep pressure involving controlled wakefulness or scheduled awakening during the biological night. Mood, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and decision-making are assessed during overnight laboratory sessions.

Treatment groups

90 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: High Sleep Pressure ConditionExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Low Sleep Pressure ConditionExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Feelings of Hopelessness

Total score on the BECK Hopelessness scale (BHS)

Time frame
Visit 1(day 2, night 2), Visit 2 (day 2, night 2)
2

Impaired Executive Function

BART total score

Time frame
Visit 1(day 2, night 2), Visit 2 (day 2, night 2)
3

Negative Mood

PANAS negative affect score

Time frame
Visit 1(day 2, night 2), Visit 2 (day 2, night 2)

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

University of Arizona

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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