Actively Recruiting
The Mind After Midnight: Mechanistic Examination of Nocturnal Wakefulness as a Suicide Risk Factor
Led by University of Arizona · Updated on 2026-05-22
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Arizona
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the link between being awake during the biological night (2:00-4:00 AM) and increased risks of negative mood, impaired decision-making, and suicidal thoughts. This study focuses on adults who have experienced suicidal ideation within the past six months, aiming to understand how biological timing and sleep pressure may contribute to suicide risk during late-night hours. Participants will undergo two different sleep conditions: one where they stay awake until 2:00 AM to create high sleep pressure, and another where they sleep and are awakened at 2:00 AM to create low sleep pressure. During both conditions, mood, suicidal thoughts, impulsivity, and decision-making will be assessed overnight in a laboratory setting. The study also uses behavioral and physiological measures, including melatonin levels, to examine circadian influences. During the study, participants will take part in assessments at home and in the lab, focusing on mood, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and executive function, especially during the critical 2:00-4:00 AM window. Researchers will monitor feelings of hopelessness, negative mood, and decision-making abilities at specific visits. The study seeks to clarify how nocturnal wakefulness affects these factors and may help identify biological mechanisms underlying suicide risk. The total participation period includes assessments across different days and nights under controlled conditions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mind After Midnight
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18-55 years
- History of suicidal ideation within the past 6 months
- Habitual bedtime between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM
- Habitual wake time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM
- Ability to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Current suicidal intent requiring immediate clinical intervention
- Diagnosis of a primary sleep disorder (e.g., untreated obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy)
- Bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
- Substance use disorder within the past 3 months
- Use of medications that significantly affect sleep or circadian rhythms
- Night shift work or transmeridian travel within the past month
- Medical or neurological condition that would interfere with participation
- Pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 overnight sessions
Participants undergo two overnight laboratory sessions to assess mood, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and decision-making during the biological night under two different sleep pressure conditions: high sleep pressure (remaining awake until 2:00 AM) and low sleep pressure (sleeping and being awakened at 2:00 AM).
2 overnight visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Arizona - Center for Sleep, Circadian, and Neuroscience Research
Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85724
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Denisse Armenta
D
Darilyn Rivera-Collazo, MS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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