Sleep Pressure Manipulation for Suicidal Thoughts

(MaM Trial)

This trial investigates whether staying awake during the night affects mood, decision-making, and suicidal thoughts. It includes two conditions: one where participants stay awake until 2:00 AM, and another where they sleep and are awakened at that time. Known as Sleep Pressure Manipulation, this approach aims to understand how sleep patterns might influence the risk of suicidal thoughts. The trial seeks adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past six months and follow a typical sleep schedule, going to bed between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM and waking between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could lead to better understanding and prevention of suicidal thoughts.

The trial requires that you do not use medications that significantly affect sleep or circadian rhythms. If you are taking such medications, you may need to stop them to participate.

Research has shown that poor sleep links to more frequent thoughts and actions related to suicide. Several studies have found that inadequate sleep can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. For instance, one study discovered that people with sleep problems were 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide. Another study found that frequent nighttime awakenings can lead to more suicidal thoughts the next day.

Researchers are excited about the Sleep Pressure Manipulation trial because it explores a novel approach to addressing suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional treatments, such as antidepressants and therapy, this method focuses on manipulating sleep patterns to impact mood and decision-making. By comparing high and low sleep pressure conditions, researchers hope to uncover how sleep deprivation or acute awakening influences impulsivity and suicidal ideation. This could lead to new, quicker-acting interventions that target the biological night, potentially offering rapid relief for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Research has shown a strong link between sleep habits and thoughts of suicide. Studies have found that insufficient sleep can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, less sleep correlates with more frequent thoughts about suicide. In this trial, participants in the high sleep pressure condition will stay awake longer, potentially helping researchers understand how lack of sleep affects mood and decision-making. Conversely, participants in the low sleep pressure condition will get some sleep, which may help identify how sleep quality influences suicidal thoughts. Overall, improving sleep habits could potentially reduce suicidal thoughts.²⁴⁶⁷⁸