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Enhancing Slow Wave Sleep in Depression
Investigating Slow Wave Sleep Enhancement to Improve Cognitive Function in Adults With Depression
Who can join
Ages 40 to 80 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
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
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) (device)
Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Participants: 12 · Started: Jun 4, 2026
Contact the study team
- Ruth Benca, MD, PhD · Phone: 336-716-2911
- Caitlin Carroll, PhD · Phone: 336-716-2440
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07143838
Locations in the U.S.
| North Carolina | Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.