NCT06240325 · University of Pittsburgh
Sleep Promotion Program Primary Care
(SPP PC)
What this study is about
Investigators developed a brief, scalable, behavioral Sleep Promotion Program (SPP) for adolescents with short sleep duration and sleep-wake irregularity, which relies on two individual sessions and smart phone technology to deliver evidence-based strategies.
View original scientific description
Investigators developed a brief, scalable, behavioral Sleep Promotion Program (SPP) for adolescents with short sleep duration and sleep-wake irregularity, which relies on two individual sessions and smart phone technology to deliver evidence-based strategies. This R34 will test the feasibility and initial effectiveness of the SPP program and provider training via pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT, n=50) comparing SPP to Sleep Psychoeducation, a brief session on healthy sleep habits. Participants will be adolescents (12-18 years) with short sleep duration, sleep-wake irregularity, and depression.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
SPP
SPP prioritizes increasing sleep duration and regularizing sleep-wake timing. The provider and youth review the youth's sleep pattern, based on sleep diary data collected before and during the program and actigraphy data collected at baseline. They discuss benefits to the current sleep pattern, reasons for changing sleep, and they create an action plan. Psychoeducation about healthy sleep is offered via a handout developed by our group. Youth and provider jointly select SPP strategies relevant to the contributors to poor sleep for each youth (e.g., time management, limiting weekend oversleep). In the second session they review progress and adjust the plan. Parents participate for part of each session to learn about their child's sleep and to discuss ways they can support their child to make the planned changes.
BEHAVIORAL
Sleep Psychoeducation
Using the pamphlet also used in SPP, SPE will present sleep hygiene practices commonly included in sleep education programs and endorsed by national health organizations.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of Intervention Measure
Time frame: Post-Intervention (~8 weeks)
The Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) is a 4-item measure that assesses the feasibility of the intervention, each item is scored on a 1-5 likert scale (completely disagree to completely agree). Items can be evaluated individually or a scale can be created by averaging responses. Scale values range from 1-5.
Acceptability of Intervention Measure
Time frame: Post-Intervention (~8 weeks)
The Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM) is a 4-item measure that assesses the acceptability of the intervention, each item is scored on a 1-5 likert scale (completely disagree to completely agree). Items can be evaluated individually or a scale can be created by averaging responses. Scale values range from 1-5.
Intervention Appropriateness Measure
Time frame: Post-Intervention (~8 weeks)
The Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) is a 4-item measure that assesses the appropriateness of the intervention, each item is scored on a 1-5 likert scale (completely disagree to completely agree). Items can be evaluated individually or a scale can be created by averaging responses. Scale values range from 1-5.
Clinical Global Impressions Scale - Improvement
Time frame: Post-Intervention (~8 weeks)
This is a clinician rating of improvement in sleep and psychopathology. Clinicians rate domains of sleep health, psychiatric symptoms, and overall health on a range from 1 very much improved) to 7 (very much worse). A score of 0 indicates no assessment. Scores for each domain are reported individually.
Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 - M
Time frame: Change Screening to Post-Intervention (~10 weeks)
This is a self-report measure of depressive symptoms. It consists of 9 items rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) over the past 2 weeks. Scores on those 9 items are summed to create a total score (0-27, higher score indicates greater depression).
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
- Able and willing to provide informed assent (with consent from parent/guardian)
- Currently a patient at Kids Plus Pediatrics
- Currently depressed
- Report short sleep duration (\<7 hours on school nights) and/or weekday-weekend sleep timing difference of \>=2 hours Parents: Parents must be age 18 or older and the parent/guardian of an enrolled youth participant and must have at least 10 hours face-to-face interaction with the youth participant per week.
Exclusion criteria
- Significant or unstable medical conditions
- Diagnosis of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, nightmare disorder, or periodic limb movement disorder
- Diagnosis of PTSD, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or substance use disorder
- Currently engaged in cognitive and/or behavioral therapy that aims to improve sleep
- Changes in medications in the month prior to screening
- Active suicidality requiring immediate treatment
- Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures
- Have any physical or mental condition that would preclude study participation. Parents will be excluded if they:
- Express active suicidality that requires immediate treatment;
- Have any physical or mental condition that would preclude study participation; OR
- Are unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures.
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
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 Mar 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations