Chronobiological Basis of Menopausal Depression: Correcting Misaligned Circadian Rhythms With Sleep and Light Interventions

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Nov 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking into how mood and sleep patterns can be improved during menopause. Researchers want to find out if making changes to sleep timing and using bright light at specific times of the day can help women feel better and sleep more soundly. They will be studying women who are experiencing symptoms of depression during this transition. Participants will have their melatonin levels checked through urine samples, adjust their sleep schedule for one night, spend two weeks using a light box for 30 minutes each day, and fill out questionnaires about their mood and sleep.

To take part in this study, women need to be between 18 and 74 years old, currently experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, and show moderate signs of depression. However, those with certain conditions, like bipolar disorder or severe depression, or those starting new medications that could interfere with the study, won't be eligible. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it offers a chance to explore new ways to improve well-being during menopause.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Perimenopausal women with irregular menstrual cycles for at least 3 months
• • Above age 18
• • Experiencing at least moderate depression symptoms (i.e., score of at least 10 on PHQ-9)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Actively suicidal or psychotic
• • History of bipolar disorder
• • Staring new medications that would affect outcome measures (e.g., melatonin)
• • Those in whom sleep restriction would be ill-advised (e.g., patients with epilepsy or those with occupations whose safety would be compromised).
• • Women whose body mass index (BMI) exceeds the NIH criteria of \<18 or \> than 30