Plain-English translation of NCT06263738 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Depression research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
The CHILL'D Study is testing whether whole body heat exposure—using a special sauna dome—followed by a cold water plunge can help improve depression symptoms. Researchers want to know if adding the cold plunge to heat exposure works better than heat alone at reducing depression. You'll receive a single treatment session and complete follow-up assessments to see how you feel.
Current depression treatments don't work well enough for everyone, and doctors are exploring whether temperature-based therapies might offer a new way to help people feel better emotionally. This study investigates whether this natural, non-medication approach could be an effective treatment option.
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You'll come in for a single treatment session where you'll sit in a special sauna dome for up to 140 minutes. Depending on which group you're assigned to, you may then step into a cold plunge for up to 10 minutes. After your session, you'll complete questionnaires and follow-up assessments to help researchers understand how the treatment affects your mood and well-being.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Barry Sandler
Collaborators
Steadman Philippon Research Institute
Enrollment target
~162 participants
Started
May 2024
Primary completion
April 2027
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in November 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Study Coordinator
Vail Health Behavioral Health
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.