Project REST: Regulation of Eating and Sleep Topography

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Aug 13, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Project REST is a clinical trial designed to explore how changes in sleep can affect eating habits and weight management in children who are overweight or obese. The researchers believe that not getting enough sleep might lead to eating more food and gaining weight. By studying how sleep impacts children's ability to control their eating and how their brains respond to food, the trial aims to find better ways to help kids manage their weight and sleep better.

To be part of this study, children between the ages of approximately 8 and 12 who are overweight or obese can participate, as long as they are willing to have a short MRI scan, which is a painless imaging test. However, children who usually sleep more than 10 hours a night, have a history of eating disorders, sleep problems, or certain medical conditions, or who are taking medications that affect sleep or appetite won’t be eligible. Participants can expect to learn more about their eating behaviors and the study may lead to new strategies for improving sleep and managing weight in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • at risk for obesity (BMI\>=85th percentile for age and sex OR BMI\>=50th percentile for age and sex with at least one obese parent)
• • average time in bed between 9.5-10.5 hours/night
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • previous eating disorder diagnosis and/or sleep or psychiatric conditions
• • conditions affecting executive functioning (e.g., recent concussion, traumatic brain injury)
• • taking medication known to affect sleep/appetite (e.g., antihistamines, stimulants)
• • receiving concurrent treatment for sleep or overweight/obesity