Sleep and Circadian Interventions for College Students at High Risk of Suicide

This study is looking at how different sleep and daily rhythm (circadian) treatments might help reduce the risk of suicide in college students. Researchers are testing three approaches: "Sleep Feedback + Psychoeducation" (using a watch to track sleep and providing information), "Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light" (TSC+, involving therapy sessions and daily bright light), and "Triple Chronotherapy" (TCT+, which includes one night of total sleep deprivation followed by three nights of sleep phase advancement, plus daily bright light). The goal is to see if these interventions, when added to standard psychiatric care, can quickly and effectively lower suicidal thoughts and behaviors. You might be able to join if you are 18-25 years old, fluent in English, have had suicidal thoughts or attempts recently, and experience significant sleep problems. The study aims to enroll 90 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive specific treatments. It plans to enroll 90 participants, who will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups.
What's involved
Participants will wear an actigraphy watch and complete a daily sleep diary, or attend 6-8 therapy sessions (in-person or video) with daily bright light therapy, or undergo one night of total sleep deprivation followed by three nights of sleep phase advancement in a sleep lab, plus daily bright light therapy.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your suicidal thoughts and behaviors will be measured at the start of the intervention, and then again at 2 months and 6 months after the intervention.

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

NCT07346014

Sleep and Circadian Interventions for College Students at High Risk of Suicide

Recruiting
NAAges 18–25InterventionalTreatment
University of Pittsburgh
~90 participants
Updated 2026-07-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Sleep Feedback + PsychoeducationTransdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light (TSC+)Triple Chronotherapy (TCT+)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via CSSRS
Measured over (short term) Intervention Days 1-4
+9 more outcomes measured
Sleep Disturbance
Sleep
Depression
Suicide
1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1
  • Tina Goldstein, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh
  • Peter Franzen · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Enrolled or planning to enroll in treatment at COSTAR Intensive Outpatient Program
English language fluency and literacy sufficient to engage in study protocol
Suicidal ideation or suicide attempt in past month
Clinically significant sleep disturbance, operationalized as Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global PSQI score \>= 7, and/or delayed bedtimes (\>midnight), and/or \>2 hours in sleep timing variability

Exclusion

Non-affective psychosis per electronic health record (EHR) review and/or baseline clinical assessment, or symptom severity or psychosocial functioning impairments that preclude participation
Contraindications for either sleep deprivation or bright light therapy (e.g., bipolar disorder; seizure disorder; photosensitizing medication)
Intellectual disability precluding comprehension of study procedures
Evidence of untreated obstructive sleep apnea and/or restless legs syndrome
Life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate treatment (such as cancer; end stage disease)
Pregnancy
  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via CSSRS(short term) Intervention Days 1-4

    Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, administered via clinician on Intervention Days 1-4. Range of 0-5, higher values represent higher severity/intensity

  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via CSSRS(medium term) 2 month follow up

    Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, administered via clinician at 2 month follow up assessment. Range of 0-5, higher values represent higher severity/intensity

  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via CSSRS(long term) 6 month follow up

    Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, administered via clinician at 6 month follow up assessment. Range of 0-5, higher values represent higher severity/intensity

  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via LIFE SI/SIB scale(medium term) 2mo follow up

    The Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE) Self Injurious/Suicidal Behaviors Measure, administered by clinician at the 2-month assessment (LIFE SI/SIB Range 0-5, higher number indicates greater lethality)

  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors via LIFE SI/SIB scale(long term) 6mo follow up

    The Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE) Self Injurious/Suicidal Behaviors Measure, administered by clinician at the 6-month assessment (LIFE SI/SIB Range 0-5, higher number indicates greater lethality)

  • Depression via KSADS Depression Rating Scale(short term) Intervention Days 1-4

    The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Depression Rating Scale, administered via clinician at Intervention Days 1-4. (KDRS Range 0-64 with higher scores indicating greater severity)

  • Depression via KSADS Depression Rating Scale(medium term) 2mo follow up

    The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Depression Rating Scale, administered via clinician at 2 month follow up. (KDRS Range 0-64 with higher scores indicating greater severity)

  • Depression via KSADS Depression Rating Scale(long term) 6mo follow up

    The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Depression Rating Scale, administered via clinician at 6 month follow up. (KDRS Range 0-64 with higher scores indicating greater severity)

  • Depression via LIFE PSR(medium term) 2mo follow up

    The Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE) Psychiatric Status Ratings, administered by clinician at the 2 month assessment (PSR; Range 1-6, higher numbers indicate greater severity)

  • Depression via LIFE PSR(long term) 6mo follow up

    The Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE) Psychiatric Status Ratings, administered by clinician at the 6 month assessment (PSR Range 1-6, higher numbers indicate greater severity)