Can better sleep help prevent teen suicide? new trial tests combo therapy

NCT ID NCT05842863

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether adding a digital insomnia treatment (CBT-I) to standard suicide-focused therapy (DBT) helps reduce suicidal thoughts and self-harm in teens aged 12-18 who are at high risk for suicide. Forty-four participants will be randomly assigned to receive either DBT alone or DBT plus CBT-I for six months, with regular assessments of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and sleep. The goal is to see if improving sleep can boost the effectiveness of suicide prevention therapy.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to reduce suicide risk in teens by also treating their sleep problems.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (44 teens) testing feasibility, not a proven treatment. The added sleep therapy may not provide extra benefit over DBT alone.

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.

insomnia Self-Injurious Behavior Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SUICIDE AND SELF-HARM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Michele Berk

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

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