Teens who stay up late: new therapy aims to reset body clocks

NCT ID NCT01828320

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether behavioral therapies could help teens who naturally go to bed late shift to earlier bedtimes. 176 teens with late sleep patterns were given either a combination of therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy, social rhythms therapy, and light therapy) or basic education about sleep. The goal was to see if earlier bedtimes could reduce risks in emotional, behavioral, social, physical, and school-related areas. The study is already completed, and results focus on changes in sleep timing and overall functioning.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia, Interpersonal and Social Rhythms Therapy, Chronotherapy, and Psychoeducation

What this could lead to

If successful, these therapies could offer a practical way to help teens shift to earlier bedtimes, potentially improving mood, school focus, and overall health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with no long-term follow-up, so lasting benefits are uncertain. Results may not apply to all teens, and behavioral changes can be hard to maintain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley, California, 94720, United States