Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depression (TranS-C+BL)

Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depression

The goal of this clinical trial is to adapt a sleep intervention for individuals representative of all demographic groups, including those who are at the highest risk for suicidal behavior. Sleep difficulties are a promising target for youth with suicidal thoughts and behavior to focus on as a prevention measure. We aim to increase intervention acceptability and impact by adapting it for the adolescent populations at highest risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The research project will compare Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TranS-C), an evidence based, modularized intervention that targets a range of sleep difficulties to a treatment as usual or control condition including providing weekly sleep feedback reports from data entered into a daily sleep diary and from wearing a sleep sensing, actigraphy watch. Participants in both conditions (TranS-C vs. Sleep Feedback) will wear an actigraphy sleep watch that monitors sleep, and complete daily sleep diaries via smartphone or email. Participants in the TranS-C condition will also wear bright light (BL) and blue blocking glasses each day as well as attend weekly or biweekly sessions with a Sleep Therapist. The sleep therapist will review sleep feedback during sessions.

This study will adapt TranS-C+BL for at-risk adolescents using health equity-informed implementation science methods.

This randomized trial will enroll 75 youth aged 12-18 at risk for STB and clinically significant sleep difficulties identified in primary care. The randomization that this study uses is a 2:1 allocation to compare TranS-C+BL Sleep Feedback vs. Sleep Feedback Alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescents (12-18)
• Current moderate to severe depression as measured by the PHQ-9M with a total score of greater than or equal to 11
• Current clinically significant sleep disturbance measured by the PHQ-9-M sleep item greater than or equal to 2.
• English language fluency and literacy sufficient to engage in study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of obstructive sleep apnea,
• Evidence of restless legs syndrome
• Evidence of psychosis
• Evidence of bipolar disorder
• Evidence of a developmental disability precluding comprehension of study procedures per electronic health record and eligibility screening.