Clinical Research Directory

Emotional Eating, Sleep Quality, Mental State and Metabolic Syndrome

In predominantly medication-naïve schizophrenic patients, those exhibiting partial metabolic disorders have significantly worse sleep quality and sleep onset time; poor sleep predicted metabolic dysregulation even after controlling for confounding factors. Mental health, sleep, and eating behavior interact in ways that strongly influence the risk of obesity and MetS. Emotional eating (eating in response to emotions rather than hunger) is central to this network and appears to be closely associated with psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. There is a continuing need to elucidate the frequency, level, and relationship of emotional eating with other factors in individuals with SMI. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate this complex relationship, thereby shedding light on new ways to reduce metabolic risks in psychiatric patients.

CBD Supplementation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a high-intensity martial art that imposes significant physical and physiological demands on practitioners, including rigorous training and frequent competitions, which can result in chronic inflammation, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life. Effective recovery strategies are essential to optimize athletic performance and longevity in the sport. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. Preclinical studies indicate that CBD modulates inflammatory pathways, such as inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In clinical contexts, CBD has shown potential to attenuate DOMS and improve sleep without the adverse effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, evidence in BJJ athletes remains limited, with gaps in the translation of preclinical findings to healthy athletic populations. The prevalence of injuries in combat sports can reach 28%, with contusions and sprains being common and further exacerbating inflammation and pain. Although approximately 23.4% of athletes report cannabis use, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically for BJJ evaluating isolated CBD at standardized doses. Furthermore, concerns regarding hepatotoxicity, monitored through enzymes such as AST and ALT, require rigorous safety evaluation. This protocol describes an RCT to investigate the effects of 200 mg/day of isolated CBD for 12 weeks in BJJ athletes, focusing on sensitive inflammatory markers (IL-6 as the primary pro-inflammatory marker and IL-10 as the anti-inflammatory marker), pain, sleep, and quality of life. The study aims to address gaps identified in systematic reviews and provide an evidence-based foundation for future recommendations.

Advancing Precision Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in Asian Populations: Digital Intervention Cohort

The overarching aim is to improve cardiometabolic health and promote healthy ageing by supporting adults to adopt favourable lifestyle patterns identified through our observational research. The trial will recruit n=600 to be involved in Phase I (referred to as the "Optimisation Phase") of a two-phase project (Phase II trial registration will be submitted separately). All participants will complete a baseline study visit where, after consent taking, will complete a baseline questionnaire, receive a smartwatch each and additional wearables if applicable, and download the study app for the receiving and testing of interventions and completion of short form surveys. Participants will be involved in the continual evaluation and optimisation of ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) in adaptive, factorial, micro-randomised trials over 12 months. Consenting participants may also be contacted to participate in interviews to be involved in the co-design of interventions, or to provide insights to the feasibility and process evaluation of the trial.

Studying Childhood-onset Behavioral, Psychiatric, and Developmental Disorders

Background: \- Many psychiatric, behavioral, and developmental disorders are genetic. This means that they tend to run in families. Some begin in childhood, while others do not appear until adulthood. Researchers want to look at people of all ages who have these disorders that started in childhood. They will also look at relatives of people with these disorders. This information will allow doctors to learn more about childhood behavioral problems and how they are inherited. It may also help doctors treat those disorders. Objectives: \- To study the onset and treatment of childhood behavioral, psychiatric, and developmental disorders. Eligibility: * Individuals of any age who have a psychiatric, autism spectrum, or developmental disorder, or other behavioral problems. * Family members of individuals with the above disorders. This group may include parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, and children. Design: \- Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. They may have a psychiatric history with tests of thinking, judgment, and behavior.

Effect of Simha Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama Relaxation Technique on Sleep and Quality of Life

Day end work related mental and muscular tension is quite common among young healthy individuals. This tension dramatically disturb sleeping pattern which also effects QoL. For this, two breathing relaxation yoga techniques namely Simha Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama have been compared. The study aims to compare the effects of Simha Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama on sleep and QoL among healthy adult individuals. It was a randomized clinical trial. Sample size of 68 was calculated by keeping 95% confidence interval and 0.05 margin of error. Subjects were selected through convenient sampling technique and then allocated by simple randomization process through sealed opaque envelope into Group A (Simha Pranayama) or Group B (Bhramari Pranayama). Subjects perform yoga techniques for 1 month. A booklet and recorded video was provided to read and follow the steps. Pre-treatment assessment was done before start of yoga therapy. Post treatment evaluation was done by assessing sleep through Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire and QoL via SF-36 Questionnaire.

Stress, Coping, and Sleep Health Study

Background: Poor sleep is common among refugee groups worldwide. It can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and premature death. It can also worsen mental health disorders. Researchers have studied the mental health issues among refugees from Bhutan in the United States. Now they want to understand more about how difficulty sleeping may relate to their other health outcomes. Objective: To learn how the social and environmental conditions Bhutanese refugees affect their sleep health and health outcomes. Eligibility: Refugees aged 18 years and older of Bhutanese-Nepali or Bhutanese American descent. The participants must live in central Ohio. Also needed are people aged 18 years and older who interact with Bhutanese refugees in this region. Design: Participants will participate in a focus group discussion. The group will have 8 to 10 participants. It will last 60 to 90 minutes. They will talk about their experiences as a refugee and their sleep health. Topics may include adjusting to a new culture; access to housing and health care; and experiences with differential treatment by members inside and outside of their group. The study team will audio record the discussion. They will not share the recording with anyone. Participants will complete a short questionnaire. They will answer questions about their age, sex, language preferences, and how long they have lived in the United States. Participants who are not refugees will take part in a virtual interview led by a member of the study team. Participants will share their experiences with adapting to a new culture, differential treatment, and other factors have affected refugees sleep. The interview will take about 1 hour.

Ganmaidazao Concentrated Beverage Sleep-Assisting Trial

A human trial with blind method and self-control design was carried out to evaluate the sleep-improving function of a food. Indicators were detected by professional instruments and self-assessed by subjects. Relevant data before and after 28 consecutive days of test sample administration were collected for comparative analysis.

Assessment and Characterization of Sleep Among Video Game Adult Players Without Video Game Use Disorder : a Feasability Study

The primary objective of the SLEEPLAY study is to assess the feasibility of a research protocol investigating the impact of video games on sleep in adults. More specifically, this study aims to identify potential barriers, facilitators of participation, and participant adherence to various measurement tools (such as actigraphy and melatonin assays) to validate the protocol for a larger future study. Additionally, it seeks to optimize the recruitment of regular adult gamers and determine the conditions that will enable better collection of objective sleep data. The relevance of this feasibility study lies in its ability to test and refine the methodology, thereby facilitating future research while minimizing costs and implementation time.

Real-World Evidence in Patient-Reported Outcomes for Medical Cannabis (MC-RWE)

This prospective observational study aims to describe the effectiveness of MC on pain, epilepsy, sleep and /or anxiety/depression in a cohorts of patients authorized to use MC, using pre-defined, validated self assessment scales.

Differences in Rest, Emotion, and Arousal Modulation in Youth

The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory responsivity, bedtime arousal levels, sleep disturbances, and daytime emotion dysregulation for autistic children (ages 6-10). In a subset of children with elevated sensory responsivity, a sensory-based bedtime manipulation targeting bedtime arousal levels will be tested.

Improving Sleep, Decision-Making, and Eating in Adolescents With Obesity

This study is being performed to understand the effects of a lifestyle modification and sleep intervention on weight loss outcomes in adolescence. The main question the study aims to answer is: \- What are the initial effects of a lifestyle modification and sleep intervention, including effects on weight, eating behaviors and dietary intake, and sleep? Participants will: * Participate in remote, group-based, weekly weight loss and sleep coaching for 16 weeks. * Complete study assessments at baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention, and post-intervention. * Complete daily sleep diaries for three 7-day periods at each assessment point.

Mechanisms of Cannabidiol in Persons With MS: the Role of Sleep and Pain Phenotype

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or both, on sleep and pain in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Little is known about how CBD and/or THC may help sleep, reduce pain, or perhaps even treat pain through better sleep.

Circadian-Synchronized Breast Milk Feeding and Sleep in Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

This clinical trial aims to find out whether a circadian-synchronized breast milk feeding approach can help improve sleep in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study mainly aims to answer the following questions: Can this feeding approach improve sleep in preterm infants? Can this feeding approach help preterm infants develop more regular sleep patterns compared with routine breast milk feeding? Researchers will compare a feeding approach that tries to match the time when breast milk was expressed with the time when the baby is fed, with routine breast milk feeding, to see whether this method can improve sleep in preterm infants. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: circadian-synchronized breast milk feeding or routine breast milk feeding. Receive the assigned feeding approach for at least 2 weeks during the study. Have one 12-hour continuous sleep monitoring session at 37 weeks of corrected age. Have changes in different sleep states recorded and analyzed during the study, so that sleep patterns can be compared between the 2 groups.

Support Your Heart, Phase 1

This is a pilot feasibility study designed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the "Support Your Heart" (SYH) study's phone-based protocols regarding AHA's LE8, social isolation, loneliness, and stress. The age range for this intervention is 18-39, which is intended to reflect the transitional life period from adolescence to adulthood. Participants must also display at least two LE8 risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g., not enough sleep or physical activity; tobacco/nicotine product use; elevated body mass index; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated HbA1c , and/or poor diet). Participants will receive weekly calls (averaging around 20-30 minutes each) from a SYH health coach in order to review key concepts, give personalized progress, and provide consistent feedback over the course of 12 weeks. SYH staff will measure improvement in AHA metrics as well as participant burden, acceptability, satisfaction, adherence, and retention. This research has the potential to create substantial public health impact by addressing cardiovascular health, social isolation, loneliness, and stress, all of which represent significant burdens to individual health.

CBT-I vs. MBTI for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Related Insomnia and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

This study is a prospective two-arm, single blind randomized controlled trial design to compare the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine-delivered, 6-session, standardized cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and mindfulness-based treatment for insomnia (MBTI) in treating insomnia symptoms and ameliorating depressive symptoms in persons with mild to moderate TBI and comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and insomnia symptoms in a 360 patients. Participants will undergo assessment (psychosocial questionnaires, neurocognitive testing, sleep monitoring) at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 2-, 6- and 12-weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome is sleep as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Effects of Melatonin on Sleep Architecture of Critically Ill Patients in the ICU

This is a pilot study to examine the effects of melatonin on the sleep patterns of critically ill patients. Patients will have their sleep patterns measured with a device attached to their head with a headband then be given a dose of melatonin. Their participation in the study will last two days.

Impact of Exercise Groups on Patient Mental Health and Wellbeing in an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

More research is needed to elucidate the impacts of physical activity interventions on short- and long-term activity and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in psychiatric inpatients and to support its advantageousness when compared to current standards of care. To investigate the impact of regular exercise on activity level, NPS, and sleep in an inpatient psychiatry unit, the investigators propose a placebo-controlled study with measures of activity, mood, anxiety, energy, and sleep as primary outcomes in 50 psychiatric inpatients at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Given the challenges of maintaining blinded assignment to treatment arm, the investigators will compare patients during two time periods (3 months each): the first is treatment as usual (TAU), the second adds exercise intervention (EXI).

Sleep Trial to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine if treatment with the sleep aid suvorexant can decrease the rate of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain.

Sleep Evaluation Before and After Metabolic Surgery

Obesity is frequently associated with sleep disturbances, including poor sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and obstructive sleep apnea. Metabolic surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and may improve several sleep-related outcomes, but the long-term change in sleep quality after surgery is not well understood. Most previous studies have relied on questionnaires or single-night measurements, which may not fully reflect sleep patterns in daily life. The SLEEP-BAM study is an observational longitudinal cohort study in adults scheduled for primary metabolic surgery at Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Participants will complete two home-based sleep measurement periods: one before surgery and one approximately 1 year after surgery. During each period, participants will wear two wearable devices for 5 consecutive nights: a Garmin Index Sleep Monitor and a viQtor research device. Participants will also complete sleep questionnaires and a daily sleep diary. The main aim is to evaluate the change in objective sleep quality from before surgery to 1 year after surgery, measured using the Garmin Sleep Score. Secondary aims include evaluating changes in sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep timing, sleep regularity, oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, subjective sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety and depression symptoms, and quality of life. The study will also explore whether changes in sleep quality are associated with postoperative weight loss. The study does not change the standard surgical treatment. Participants undergo metabolic surgery as part of routine care, and the research procedures consist only of sleep monitoring, questionnaires, and sleep diaries.

Sustainable Habits for Encouraging Even Teen Sleep

This study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of two digital sleep interventions in improving sleep regularity and psychiatric health during a critical period of adolescence.

Magnesium-L-Threonate for Sleep Quality Post-Arthroplasty

The study team is conducting a study to see if Magnesium-L-Threonate (MgT) can help improve how well participants sleep and reduce pain after total joint replacement surgery

Intern Health Study 2026

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using a reinforcement learning algorithm to determine the optimal content of a mobile health intervention (message delivered via smartphone) for improving the mood, physical activity, and sleep of medical interns.

Project REST: Regulation of Eating and Sleep Topography

Overweight/obesity and inadequate sleep are prevalent, and frequently co-occurring, health risks among children, both of which are associated with serious medical and psychosocial health complications including risk for cardiovascular disease. Although the investigator's data suggest that disrupted or shortened sleep may be causally associated with increased energy intake and weight gain in children, and with self-regulation and neural response to food cues in adults, understanding of mechanisms involved in the sleep/eating association is incomplete, thereby impeding development of targeted, optimally timed intervention strategies. The proposed mechanistic clinical trial aims to assess the effects of an experimental sleep manipulation on eating-related self-regulation and its neural substrates, and on real-world eating behavior, among children with overweight/obesity, which will help guide research efforts towards the refinement of prevention and intervention strategies targeting sleep and its eating-related correlates to curb weight gain throughout development.

Sleep and Circadian Interventions for College Students at High Risk of Suicide

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which delivering sleep and circadian focused interventions in addition to evidenced based psychiatric care for depression and suicide risk may contribute to decreasing suicide risk among high risk young adults. Investigators will evaluate three interventions targeting sleep in acutely suicidal college students enrolled in intensive outpatient treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: 1. Triple Chronotherapy (TCT)+ Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TSC) 2. Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TSC) 3. Sleep Feedback (SF) Participants will be followed for 6 months with primary outcome domains of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and depression evaluated by blinded clinicians at short (Days 1-4 of intervention), medium (2 months) and long (6 month) term intervals.