NCT05684094 · University of Oregon
Mechanisms of Risky Alcohol Use in Young Adults: Linking Sleep to Reward- and Stress-Related Brain Function
(MoRA)
What this study is about
This research will use biobehavioral approaches to generate understanding about the linkages between stressful life events, sleep duration and timing, and alcohol use in young adults, with a long-term aim of developing effective preventative interventions for alcohol use disorders.
View original scientific description
This research will use biobehavioral approaches to generate understanding about the linkages between stressful life events, sleep duration and timing, and alcohol use in young adults, with a long-term aim of developing effective preventative interventions for alcohol use disorders.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Sleep extension and advance
Participants in the sleep extension and advance condition will maintain a stable sleep schedule that extends sleep duration and advances bedtime by 90 min relative to weekday bedtime. This chronotherapeutic manipulation will include blocking phase-delaying light in the evening using goggles with orange lenses ("blue blockers") beginning 2 h prior to bedtime, and 30 min of 506 lux blue-green light exposure in the morning beginning at rise time using bright light goggles (ReTimer Pty Ltd., Australia). Schedule and chronotherapy adherence will be reinforced using motivational techniques (e.g., securing motivation, preplanning, problem-solving), requiring participants to text the study coordinator and complete morning assessments at rise time, and monetary incentives.
BEHAVIORAL
Regular sleep duration and timing
Participants in the regular sleep duration and timing condition will keep a stable sleep schedule that matches their typical weekday sleep opportunity and timing. Schedule adherence will be reinforced using motivational techniques (e.g., securing motivation, preplanning, problem-solving), requiring participants to text the study coordinator and complete morning assessments at rise time, and monetary incentives.
Primary outcome measures
Alcohol use
Time frame: 2 months
The Alcohol Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) will be administered electronically to assess the quantity (number of standard drinks) and frequency of alcohol use over the past 2 months, beginning at screening and continuing at least every 2 months through the follow-up assessment. The TLFB uses a calendar, anchor dates, and standard drink conversions to obtain retrospective estimates of alcohol use.
Reward-related brain function
Time frame: 2 weeks
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the Monetary Incentive Delay task (MID, 92) will be used to measure blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) regional response and functional connectivity related to anticipation and receipt of monetary rewards. This task reliably elicits activation in neural reward circuitry
Stress-related brain function
Time frame: 2 weeks
Stress-related brain function will be indexed using autonomic and neuroendocrine measures taken before and during the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST). The TSST is a lab-based social-evaluative threat task that reliably elicits subjective stress and increases in the stress-hormone cortisol.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18-24 years of age;
- NIAAA criteria for past-month high-risk drinking (i.e., ≥ 4 drinks/day or ≥ 8/week for women, ≥ 5 drinks/day or ≥ 15/week for men);
- short and late sleep (weekday sleep duration ≤ 7.5 hours and bedtime ≥ 24:00 (midnight); n=60) or long and early sleep (weekday sleep duration \> 7.5 hours and bedtime ≤ 24:00 (midnight); n=30);
- at least moderate lifetime exposure to stressors (≥ 2 events on the 20-item Adult Stress and Adversity Inventory-Screener);
- not currently in high school; and
- English language fluency.
Exclusion criteria
- Severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) and/or substance use disorder (SUD), defined as ≥6 AUD/SUD criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5;
- acute alcohol intoxication on the days of the laboratory post-intensive visits, operationalized as a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or higher during Breathalyzer saliva screen;
- current clinician-provided diagnosis of narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia;
- lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorder;
- certain medical conditions (e.g., serious neurological disorder, heart failure or serious trouble, history of head injury with unconsciousness \> 5 minutes);
- conditions that are contraindicated for MRI (e.g., ferrous metal in the body);
- positive screen for participant-reported eye disease, epilepsy, or photosensitizing medications that are contraindicated during the manipulation condition when bright light is administered (e.g., psychiatric neuroleptic drugs \[e.g., phenothiazine\], psoralen drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs \[e.g., amiodarone\], antimalarial and antirheumatic drugs, porphyrin drugs used in photodynamic treatment of skin diseases);
- use of melatonin if participant is not willing to discontinue use for the duration of the study. We will schedule around (i.e., delay appointments as needed) to avoid the timeframe of the following events:
- urgent suicide risk, defined by moderate/severe risk per CSSR and clinician determination that current risk requires immediate action;
- travel across two or more time zones within the month prior to the overnight study visits.
- begin/end a prescribed medication within 2 months of the observational study;
- medication dose changes within the timeframe calculated as 5x the drug's half-life \[the time to reach pharmacokinetic steady-state\] before the initiation of the observational or experimental studies;
- participant-anticipated changes in prescribed medications or medication dosing during the observational or experimental studies.;
- current symptoms of an airborne infectious illness (e.g., COVID) prior to laboratory visits. Participants with positive breathalyzer screen (blood alcohol level \> .02) will be rescheduled for an alternative overnight visit date.
Where
- Eugene, Oregon
Collaborators
University of Pittsburgh, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations