Tests brain stimulation during sleep for people with depression
Tests a sleep-time electrical stimulation device in adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Enhancing Slow Wave Sleep in Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Winston-Salem, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT07143838, who can take part
Where in United States
- Wake Forest University Health SciencesWinston-Salem, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Trial code
- NCT07143838
- Record updated
- 29 June 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Investigating Slow Wave Sleep Enhancement to Improve Cognitive Function in Adults With Depression
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.
Inclusion: Ability to complete overnight sleep study including placement of EEG leads; Ability to read and understand English; Moderate depression; Self-reported cognitive complaints.
Exclusion: 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); Currently taking medications that could alter EEG or cognitive function; 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; Presence of severe insomnia; Presence of severe, untreated sleep apnea; Currently pregnant; Planned travel outside time zone during the study.