The goal of this pilot study is to determine if non-invasive brain stimulation during sleep can increase deep sleep in adults with depression. It will also determine if increased deep sleep improves cognitive performance and mood ratings. Participants will be asked to wear a non-invasive device that records their brain activity and delivers transcranial electrical stimulation during sleep. Participants will also wear an actigraphy watch that measures activity levels throughout the study. In addition, participants will complete several cognitive assessments and mood and sleep questionnaires throughout the study.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Ability to complete overnight sleep study including placement of EEG leads
* Ability to read and understand English.
* Moderate depression
* Self-reported cognitive complaints
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous adverse reaction to transcranial electrical stimulation
* Presence of implanted devices (e.g. intracranial device, cochlear implant)
* Presence of metal in head (e.g. surgical clip)
* Sensitivity or allergy to silver
* Presence of significant neurologic disease (e.g. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy/seizure disorder, severe migraine disorder)
* History of significant head trauma
* History of stroke or other ischemic event
* Diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or presence of current suicidal ideation
* Currently taking medications that could alter EEG or cognitive function
* Presence of severe insomnia
* Presence of severe, untreated sleep apnea
* Currently pregnant
* Planned travel outside time zone during the study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial focuses on increasing 'slow wave sleep' or Stage N3 sleep in people with major depressive disorder — can you explain what slow wave sleep is and why boosting it might help with depression in my specific case?
2Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's an early or non-drug intervention study, can you tell me what intervention they're actually testing and whether there are any known risks I should be aware of before considering it?
3The trial is measuring how much deep N3 sleep I get and what percentage of my total sleep it makes up — does my current sleep pattern actually show a deficit in this type of sleep, and would that make me a more relevant candidate to discuss with the research team?
4Given that this trial is actively recruiting right now, how does participating in a sleep-focused study fit alongside any antidepressant or therapy treatment I might already be on or starting, and could they interfere with each other?
5If this trial doesn't pan out or isn't right for me, are there already established treatments for improving slow wave sleep in people with depression that we could consider as an alternative?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.