Optimizing a Mobile Health Platform for Sleep Promotion and Obesity Prevention in Children

BEHAVIORAL

Fixed sleep goal

Investigators will determine if a fixed guideline-based goal (≥9 hours per night) is more efficacious for increasing sleep duration.

BEHAVIORAL

Personalized sleep goal

Investigators will determine if a personalized goal (≥9 hours per night, but can be lowered to a personalized level, capped at +30 minutes per night above baseline) is more efficacious for increasing sleep duration.

BEHAVIORAL

Digital sleep health messaging without virtual study visit

All participants will receive digital sleep health messaging. Messaging will focus on evidence-based sleep health recommendations, such as regulating evening electronics use, managing extracurricular activities, and setting consistent bedtime routines and sleep-wake schedules. This group will NOT have virtual psychological visits.

BEHAVIORAL

Digital sleep health messaging with virtual study visit

All participants will receive digital sleep health messaging. Messaging will focus on evidence-based sleep health recommendations, such as regulating evening electronics use, managing extracurricular activities, and setting consistent bedtime routines and sleep-wake schedules. The participants will be randomized to additionally receive virtual study visits where doctoral-level psychology trainees will be trained to implement evidence-based behavioral sleep health guidance.

BEHAVIORAL

Inactive Parent-Directed Loss-Framed Incentive

No parental incentive

BEHAVIORAL

Active Parent-Directed Loss-Framed Incentive

Parents will receive a financial incentive when their child achieves their sleep goal. The incentive will be loss-framed; parents will receive an endowment of $10 at the start of each intervention week, in a virtual bank account; Investigators will deduct $2 each weeknight the sleep duration goal is not met; the funds remaining in the virtual account will be dispensed each Sunday. The weekly endowment-payment approach allows for fresh starts each week. The incentive will be directed at parents as a method to enhance engagement. Investigators will ask parents at baseline and at the end of each month to rate their perceived support in helping their child to meet their sleep duration goal.

BEHAVIORAL

Inactive Supportive Feedback

No supportive feedback

BEHAVIORAL

Active Supportive Feedback

Participants will receive a weekly performance summary message each Sunday during the intervention period, with supportive feedback included to motivate children to maintain their good performance in the week ahead, or to try and improve upon a weak or moderate performance in the week ahead. Investigators will ask children will complete an online survey each Sunday to measure how motivated they are to achieve their sleep goal in the week ahead.

Change in sleep duration

Time frame: baseline to 12 months

The primary outcome for aims 1 and 3 is change in nighttime sleep duration (hours per night) on weeknights measured by a sleep tracker with high sensitivity and moderate specificity for measuring sleep.

Change in fat mass index Z-score

Time frame: Baseline to 12 months

Aim 2 primary outcome. Total body fat mass will be measured by DXA. Fat mass index (FMI, kg of fat divided by height in meters squared) will be calculated, and age and gender specific FMI Z-scores will be determined using U.S. specific FMI growth charts.

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.