The aim of this pilot project proposal is to test the hypothesis that decreased sleep slow-wave activity (SWA) observed in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) is related to mood dysfunction, and that manipulating SWA may serve to improve mood by normalizing SWA regulation. The investigators propose to enhance SWA during nighttime sleep in a group of 20 antidepressant-free males and females age 25-50 with varying degrees of impairment in mood. Each participant will undergo one baseline night of sleep in the laboratory and then will sleep with the SmartSleep Headband nightly for two weeks in their own home. For one week, slow-wave sleep will be enhanced. On the alternate week, sleep will not be changed. Following the two weeks of sleeping with the device, participants will then spend another night in the sleep laboratory to assess changes in sleep. Mood will be assessed by self-report and clinician-administered scales following the baseline night of sleep, virtually after the first experimental week, and at the conclusion of the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
A headband that measures slow-wave activity during sleep and uses auditory stimulation to enhance slow waves using closed-loop auditory stimulation.
A headband that measures slow-wave activity during sleep but has no auditory stimulation.
Change from baseline in Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms
Depression severity measure, score ranges from 0-27, higher scores indicate worse depressive symptoms
Time frame: daily, up to 14 days
Change from baseline in Visual Analog Scale - Mood
measure of positive and negative mood, scores range from 0 to 100, higher scores indicate worse depressive symptoms
Time frame: daily, up to 14 days
Change from baseline in Profile of Mood States
measure of total mood disturbance, scores range from 0 to 28, higher scores indicate worse depressive symptoms
Time frame: daily, up to 14 days
Change from baseline in Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
measure of positive and negative affect, scores range from 10 to 50, higher scores indicate worse depressive symptoms
Time frame: daily, up to 14 days
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.