Depression and insomnia are often experienced simultaneously. Symptoms may include:

  • Feeling sad, unhappy, empty
  • Changes in appetite
  • Enjoying activities less than usual
  • Having a hard time falling asleep
  • Waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble getting back to sleep
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Having low energy
It is difficult to deal with depression when you are not getting enough sleep. It is also difficult to sleep when you are feeling especially upset, empty, down or sad.

Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy for depression are helpful for reducing overall depression but often do not improve insomnia.

Insomnia therapies can effectively improves sleep in individuals with sleep difficulties and might improve mood but usually do not improve depression.


Our Mission

The mission of the TRIAD team is to test if combining antidepressant medications and insomnia therapy will improve the lives of people who experience both conditions simultaneously.

Our team consists of medical professionals from Duke University, the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania.


How does TRIAD work?

Participants who are eligible for the TRIAD study will receive 16 weeks of treatment with an antidepressant medication in addition to psychotherapy for insomnia.


Who is eligible?

TRIAD is open to adults of all ages who are near the following three cities:

  • Palo Alto, CA
    Rachel Wells: 650-723-2641
  • Durham, North Carolina
    Meg Lineberger: 919-668-3267
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Crystal Spotts: 412-246-6111