NCT07618117 · University of Colorado, Denver
Improving Sleep Health and Circadian Timing to Support Cardiometabolic Health in Adolescents
(REST)
What this study is about
Many teenagers get too little and late timed sleep. High body weight and diabetes are increasing in teenagers as well. This study plans to learn more about whether improving sleep habits can help improve how the body regulates blood sugar and energy use in teenagers who have higher body weight.
View original scientific description
Many teenagers get too little and late timed sleep. High body weight and diabetes are increasing in teenagers as well. This study plans to learn more about whether improving sleep habits can help improve how the body regulates blood sugar and energy use in teenagers who have higher body weight. To answer this question, the investigators plan to enroll teenagers who get \<7 hours of sleep on school nights and measure changes in blood sugars and energy use after two weeks of typical sleep (sleeping on their normal school schedule) and two weeks of a sleep intervention that includes spending longer time in bed at night, melatonin, and morning light.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Circadian/Sleep (C/S)
1h additional time in bed, melatonin 2h before bedtime, and 30 minutes bright light after waking
Primary outcome measures
Insulin sensitivity
Time frame: Assessed at 2 weeks following each condition
Matsuda Index will be calculated from a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT); higher values indicate better insulin sensitivity.
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
- High school students between 14-19 years
- Overweight/obesity (BMI \>85% for age and sex)
- Have habitually insufficient sleep, defined as ≤ 7 hours per night on school days
- Habitually inactive (≤ 3 h of physical activity reported per week)
- Tanner stage 4 or 5, based on breast development for girls and testicular size for boys.
Exclusion criteria
- Reported diagnosis of sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea)
- Medical comorbidities that impact sleep or insulin sensitivity (e.g., diabetes \[based on history or screening HbA1c\])
- Regular use of medications affecting sleep or insulin sensitivity (e.g., stimulants, sleep aids, systemic steroids, insulin sensitizers, GLP-1 agonists)
- IQ\<70 or severe mental illness that may impact sleep or study participation (e.g., schizophrenia), eating disorder, or active suicidal ideation
- Schedules that would preclude participants from adhering to the sleep schedules (e.g., night-shift employment)
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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 Nov 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations