Can pulling an all-nighter reveal how depression hijacks sleep and mood?

NCT ID NCT05497414

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses brain scans to explore how sleep and mood are connected in people with major depression compared to healthy volunteers. Participants undergo overnight sleep deprivation while researchers measure changes in brain activity, fluid flow, and mood. The goal is to uncover the neural systems that link sleep loss to mood changes in depression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: overnight sleep deprivation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward new ways to understand and treat mood disorders by targeting sleep.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. Sleep deprivation can temporarily worsen mood in some people.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAJOR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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