RecruitingInterventional

Understanding the mechanisms of how behavioural sleep improvement programmes work in young adults with depression and anxiety

This study aims to understand how improving sleep can help young adults (18-40) who experience depression and anxiety. Many people with these conditions also struggle with sleep, and we believe better sleep could lead to feeling better overall. We're comparing two different practical sleep improvement programmes over six weeks. Our goal is to see which programme is more effective at improving sleep, helping your body's natural clock, and boosting mental health. We'll measure changes using questionnaires, sleep diaries, wearable devices, and other tests. The information we gather will help us create better, more personalised treatments for people dealing with mental health issues.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

158

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Insomnia and symptoms of mental health difficulties (anxiety and depression)

What is this study about?

Many young adults experience common and upsetting feelings of depression and anxiety. It's often noticed that people struggling with these mental health difficulties also have trouble sleeping. Researchers believe there's a strong link: if we can improve sleep, it might also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

While we know that practical sleep programmes can help people sleep better, we don't fully understand how these programmes affect our sleep on a deeper, biological level, like our natural 'body clock'. We also want to know how these changes specifically impact people who are also dealing with depression or anxiety. This study will compare two different approaches to improving sleep, helping us to see which one works best.

The main goal is to find out which sleep programme is more effective at changing sleep patterns, adjusting the body's natural clock, and improving mental health. By understanding this better, we hope to develop new, personalised support programmes to help young adults who are struggling with both sleep and mental health difficulties, ultimately improving their overall wellbeing.

Key takeaways

A study comparing two sleep programmes for young adults with depression and anxiety.
Aims to find out which programme works best for sleep, body clock, and mental wellbeing.
Involves weekly sessions with a researcher for 6 weeks and follow-up assessments.
Could help develop better mental health treatments in the future.
No serious risks expected, and participants can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young adults aged between 18 and 40 years old. To join, you need to be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both.

You also need to have frequent trouble falling asleep or waking up during the night, which is commonly known as insomnia. You should be registered with a GP and live in or near Oxford to take part in some of the in-home measurements. You'll also need access to the internet for the study sessions. You must be able to understand and read English.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both?
Do you often have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia)?
Are you registered with a GP and live near Oxford?
Do you have access to a computer/smartphone and the internet at home?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're interested, you'll first answer some questions and have a phone chat with a research team member to check if the study is right for you. If you qualify, a computer will randomly assign you to one of two sleep improvement programmes. Both programmes involve meeting weekly with a trained researcher for six weeks. One programme focuses on a personalised daily sleep schedule, while the other gives advice on how your lifestyle and surroundings affect your sleep.

Throughout the study, you'll complete assessments at the beginning, then at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 26 weeks after starting the programme. These assessments include questionnaires about your mood and sleep, keeping a sleep diary, wearing a watch-like device to track movement, and two at-home brain activity recordings. You'll also provide saliva samples to check your 'body clock' and blood samples for other markers. We'll also ask about any other treatments or medications you might be taking. The total commitment will involve these weekly sessions and follow-up assessments over several months.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find that your sleep improves and your mental health feels better by taking part in this study. You’ll also be helping to advance research that could lead to better support for other people with mental health problems. All participants can also receive a summary of the study results. We don't expect any serious risks; however, talking about personal feelings can sometimes be upsetting, and you don't have to answer anything you're uncomfortable with. Changing your sleep patterns might make you feel a bit sleepier for a short time, so it's important to avoid activities like driving if you feel drowsy. Remember, you are free to stop participating in the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNI)
City only
Oxford, England

Common questions

What happens if I don't feel comfortable answering a question?

You are never forced to answer any questions you don't feel comfortable with. If certain topics are too upsetting, the team may suggest the study isn't suitable for you.

Will I know which sleep programme I'm on?

Yes, once you are randomly assigned to a programme, you will know which one you are participating in.

Do I have to pay to join the study?

No, there are no costs for you to participate in this study. It is funded by the Wellcome Trust.

What is a 'body clock'?

Your 'body clock' is your body's natural internal clock that controls when you feel sleepy or awake, and other daily rhythms.

How long will the entire study take for me?

The programmes run for 6 weeks, but you will have follow-up assessments for about 26 weeks (roughly 6 months) after starting the programme.

How to find out more

Nicola Barclay

nicola.barclay@ndcn.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 618663 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.