Plain-English translation of NCT06443216 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Major Depressive Disorder research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Researchers are testing a new approach to treating depression that works during sleep. The study uses gentle auditory stimulation—special sound signals played during your deepest sleep stages—to see if this treatment can reduce depression symptoms. You would spend several nights in a sleep laboratory where researchers monitor your sleep and deliver this treatment.
Depression is difficult to treat, and many people don't respond well to current medications. Recent research suggests that the structure of deep sleep may be linked to depression, so scientists are exploring whether modifying sleep patterns through sound stimulation could offer a new way to help people recover.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You would visit a sleep laboratory for four separate nights over several weeks. The first night is for adaptation to the lab environment. On the remaining three nights, researchers will monitor your sleep with standard equipment while you sleep. On two of these nights, you'll receive gentle sound stimulation during your deepest sleep stages; on one night, you'll receive sham (fake) stimulation so researchers can compare the effects. Throughout the study, your depression symptoms will be assessed to see if the sound-based treatment makes a difference.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 20, 2026 · Not medical advice
Switzerland