BMC psychologyNov 6, 2015

A community sleep program using therapy and mindfulness to prevent depression and improve heart health in teenagers

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

A longitudinal randomized controlled trial is being conducted with adolescents aged 12-17 years at risk for depression.

Adolescents are considered at-risk for depression if they report high anxiety levels and sleep problems.
Participants are randomly assigned to either a sleep improvement intervention or an active control condition focused on study skills.
The sleep improvement intervention is based on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness principles.
All participants undergo a series of assessments, including mood and sleep questionnaires and cardiovascular evaluations.
Outcomes will be measured at a two-year follow-up to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Simplified

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are a major risk factor for the emergence of depression in adolescence. The aim of this study was to test whether an intervention for improving sleep habits could prevent the emergence of depression, and improve well-being and cardiovascular indices amongst at-risk adolescents.

METHODS/DESIGN: A longitudinal randomised controlled trial (RCT) is being conducted across Victorian Secondary Schools in Melbourne, Australia. Adolescents (aged 12-17 years) were defined as at-risk for depression if they reported high levels of anxiety and sleep problems on in-school screening questionnaires and had no prior history of depression (assessed by clinical diagnostic interview). Eligible participants were randomised into either a sleep improvement intervention (based on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness principles) or an active control condition teaching study skills. Both programs consisted of seven 90 minute-long sessions over seven weeks. All participants were required to complete a battery of mood and sleep questionnaires, seven-days of actigraphy, and sleep diary entry at pre- and post-intervention. Participants also completed a cardiovascular assessment and two days of saliva collection at pre-intervention. Participants will repeat all assessments at two-year follow up (ongoing).

DISCUSSION: This will be the first efficacy trial of a selective group-based sleep intervention for the prevention of depression in an adolescent community sample. If effective, the program could be disseminated in schools and greatly improve health outcomes for anxious adolescents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001177842. Date of Registration: 06-Nov-2012.

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A community sleep program using therapy and mindfulness to prevent depression and improve heart health in teenagers

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