RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05219955

Caregiver Stress and Sleep Study

Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

Jul 15, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms Caregiver Burden

Summary

This study includes a randomized experimental component where therapists will systematically deliver an experimental behavioral probe or a supportive control condition. The aim is to evaluate effects on meaningful health-relevant measures including morning activation levels, depression symptoms, rumination, and aspects brain connectivity previously linked with depression.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating how caregiver stress affects sleep patterns in older adults who care for someone with dementia. Researchers are using brain imaging to understand what happens in the brain when caregivers struggle to wake up in the mornings. **You may be eligible if...** - You are age 60 or older - You provide at least 15 hours per week of unpaid care for someone with dementia - You feel stressed or strained from caregiving - You are not currently receiving talk therapy for depression or insomnia - You have difficulty getting going in the morning - You are on no medication, or on a stable medication, for depression **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You cannot safely undergo an MRI scan - You are currently in therapy (CBT) for mood or sleep problems - You yourself have a probable dementia diagnosis - You have a serious illness or plan to move away from the study area - You have an active substance use disorder Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALMorning Action Plan Execution

Each day, participants are asked to track if they do the morning activity plan.

BEHAVIORALActivity Strategy-based Session with Therapist

Participants will meet weekly with a trained therapist to discuss their prescribed activity plan. If unsuccessful, at weekly follow-ups, participants are asked to refine their plan or make a new one. Each session lasts about 30-45 minutes.

BEHAVIORALAttention-based Session with Therapist

Participants will meet weekly with trained a therapist to talk about stressors they experience, providing an opportunity to voice and self-address their problems. In this control condition, therapists will not deliver any particular strategy except for active listening and referring to the educational materials

BEHAVIORALAdvance sleep-wake time

Some participants will be asked to adjust their sleep schedule to accommodate morning activity engagement by introducing or altering mechanisms known promote early rising (i.e., light exposure, reward and processes, etc.)