The Sleep and Memory Study
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The Sleep and Memory Study

Sleep Oscillations and Memory Consolidation in Depression: A Pilot Study 

STUDY OVERVIEW

People with depression often experience memory difficulties that significantly affect daily life. Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating memories but is frequently disrupted in depression.

This study examines the interaction between two natural brain waves which happen during sleep (sleep spindles and slow oscillations). Based on previous research, we believe that greater coordination between these brain waves may be associated with better memory after sleep.

This pilot study aims to inform future larger studies and may lead to new treatment directions.

  • Interested? Submit your contact details below, and one of our team will be in touch.

WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?

Should you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete the following:

  1. An online meeting with a researcher to complete some questionnaires about mental health experiences and some short thinking tasks.
  2. If eligible, attend the John Trinder Sleep Laboratory to complete two memory tasks and be fitted with a sleep recording device.
  3. Take a taxi home to sleep overnight wearing the recording device.
  4. Return to the Sleep Laboratory the next day to return the equipment and repeat the memory tasks.
     

REIMBURSEMENT

All participants will be reimbursed for their time and related expenses.

This includes:

  • $20 for a screening visit.
  • $60 for the overnight sleep study if you are eligible.
  • An additional taxi voucher to make sure you get home comfortably.
     

ELIGIBILITY

Young people aged 16-25 are being recruited for one of two participant groups:

  • People who have experienced depression within the past two years or,
  • People who have never experienced mental health difficulties.

For this particular study, we unfortunately cannot accept participants who:

  • Take antidepressant medications (or other regular medications which impact sleep)
  • Have travelled across time zones in the past month
  • Are currently doing shift work (work outside of 7am-6pm)
  • Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have been diagnosed with other mental health disorders (like bipolar or psychosis), a neurodevelopmental disorder (like autism or ADHD), a neurological condition (like migraine, stroke, or epilepsy), or a sleep disorder (like sleep apnea or narcolepsy).
  • Live outside a 40km radius from the University of Melbourne, Parkville campus.

RECRUITMENT

Participation in the study is completely voluntary, and researchers will ensure participants have all information about the study before they provide consent.

For more details, please complete the form below, and a researcher will get back to you.
 

Investigators

  • Dr Alexandra Stainton (Orygen/ University of Melbourne)
  • Professor Kelly Allott (Orygen/ University of Melbourne)
  • Professor Amy Jordan (University of Melbourne)
  • Dr Elise McGlashan (University of Melbourne)
  • Ms Freida Balsara (researcher)
  • Ms Mackenzie Murphy (researcher)
  • Ms Brittany Cook (researcher)
  • Ms Maddie Pan (student)

Have you either:

HREC 31260