Pittsburgh Sleep in Teens Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of an emotionally and physically healthy child aged 11-15 who is currently in (or rising to) 7th, 8th, or 9th grade? If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about the relationship between sleep and changes in mood and thinking over 4 years. Eligible participants do not wear braces or permanent retainer. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

During the adolescent and teen years, many children experience changes in sleep patterns, as well as changes in mood and thinking. Research shows that poor sleep during adolescence can have a negative effect on physical and mental health, but this relationship is not fully understood.

 

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how sleep impacts children’s physical and mental health over time. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better health for adolescents and teens in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 11-15
• Currently in, or rising to, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
• Emotionally and physically healthy
• Do not wear braces or have a permanent retainer
• No current or past major depressive or bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance dependence, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual disability
• Not taking medications known to impact sleep/wake function (for example, steroids)
• No severe vision or hearing issues
• Able and willing to undergo fMRI scanning

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

This study involves 1-2 visits per year for 4 years. Participants will complete at-home sleep assessments, fill out online questionnaires, and have two fMRI brain scans. fMRI brain scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.