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Enhancing Deep Sleep in Depression with Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

This study is exploring if a non-invasive device called Sleep WISP, which delivers transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) during sleep, can increase deep sleep (Stage N3 Sleep) in adults aged 40-80 with moderate depression and self-reported cognitive complaints. The researchers want to see if more deep sleep can improve your mood and thinking abilities. You would wear the Sleep WISP device to record your brain activity and deliver gentle electrical stimulation during sleep, along with an activity tracker. The study aims to enroll 12 participants and is currently unclear on its recruitment status. Success would mean an increase in the duration and percentage of your deep sleep over three weeks.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 12 participants. It is a pilot study, meaning it's an initial investigation into the treatment.
What's involved
You would need to complete overnight sleep studies with EEG lead placement, wear a Sleep WISP device during sleep, wear an actigraphy watch, and complete cognitive assessments and mood/sleep questionnaires.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes, duration and percentage of N3 sleep, are measured from baseline to week 3.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07143838

Enhancing Slow Wave Sleep in Depression

Recruiting
NAAges 40–80InterventionalTreatment
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
~12 participants
Updated 2026-06-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Duration of Stage N3 Sleep
Measured over From baseline to week 3
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder

Explore related trials

Unipolar Depression

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
North Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Ruth Benca, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Who to contact

Ruth Benca, MD, PhD
[email protected]
336-716-2911
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Ability to complete overnight sleep study including placement of EEG leads
Ability to read and understand English.
Moderate depression
Self-reported cognitive complaints

Exclusion

Previous adverse reaction to transcranial electrical stimulation
Presence of implanted devices (e.g. intracranial device, cochlear implant)
Presence of metal in head (e.g. surgical clip)
Sensitivity or allergy to silver
Presence of significant neurologic disease (e.g. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy/seizure disorder, severe migraine disorder)
History of significant head trauma
History of stroke or other ischemic event
Diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or presence of current suicidal ideation
Currently taking medications that could alter EEG or cognitive function
Presence of severe insomnia
Presence of severe, untreated sleep apnea
Currently pregnant
Planned travel outside time zone during the study

What this trial measures

  • Duration of Stage N3 SleepFrom baseline to week 3

    Change in number of minutes of stage N3 sleep across the night

  • Percentage of N3 SleepFrom baseline to week 3

    Change in percentage of stage N3 sleep across the night relative to total sleep time