Teen Sleep and Light Study

Launched by RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 9, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Teen Sleep and Light Study is looking into how light exposure and sleep patterns affect teenagers' biological clocks, especially during puberty. As teens grow, their internal clocks tend to shift later, which can make it hard for them to fall asleep early, especially with early school start times. This study aims to understand how factors like limited sleep and evening light can affect how well morning bright light therapy works to help them sleep better. They want to find out the right balance of sleep and light exposure that will allow for better sleep patterns in teens aged 14 to 17.

To participate in this study, teens must be between 14 and 17 years old, able to understand English, and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Participants will have the chance to spend time in a lab where their sleep patterns will be monitored. They will learn about how different light levels and sleep restrictions impact their sleep and mood. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions, sleep disorders, or specific medications may not be eligible to join. This research could help improve sleep strategies for teenagers and support their overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 14-17 years old;
• • Participants and parents have sufficient knowledge of the English language;
• • Participants are fully vaccinated for COVID-19
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • personal history of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, neurological disorder, psychopathology, sleep disorder (sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia), metabolic disorders, chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, active asthma), or infectious illness;
• • current illness, fever or symptoms of respiratory infection or allergy at the time of laboratory assessments;
• • current use of prescribed mediations (except birth control pills);
• • current use of melatonin or over-the-counter medications that can affect the sleep/wake cycle, daytime sleepiness, or suppress melatonin;
• • physical handicap that interferes with the study (e.g., blind);
• • mental retardation or other pervasive developmental disorder;
• • symptoms of depressed mood based on a score of 16 or greater on the Center for Epidemiological Studies fro Depression (CES-D);
• • suicidal ideation (past or current)
• • travel beyond two time zones within a month of beginning the study;
• • female participants who indicate symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• • unusual sleep lengths (means \< 6 hours or \> 10 hours);
• • color blind as determined by the Ishihara color blindness test, or eye surgery to correct for lens curvature;
• • positive test for illicit drugs or nicotine;
• • positive test for alcohol at the beginning of the 7-day lab stay