Electrical Stimulation for Sleep and Emotional Health
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications that can affect seizure thresholds, such as ADHD stimulants, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, bronchodilators, certain antibiotics, antivirals, and some over-the-counter antihistamines.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Transcranial electrical stimulation with Temporal Interference (TES-TI) for sleep and emotional health?
Is electrical stimulation for sleep and emotional health safe for humans?
Research shows that low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), including various forms like TES-TI, is generally safe for humans. No serious adverse effects have been reported in over 18,000 sessions, and mild effects like headaches or skin sensations are rare. Studies also found no significant safety concerns with temporal interference stimulation in healthy adults.16789
How does electrical stimulation differ from other treatments for sleep and emotional health?
Electrical stimulation, specifically transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and cranial electrotherapy stimulation, is unique because it uses non-invasive, mild electrical currents to modulate brain activity, potentially improving sleep and emotional health without the side effects associated with sedative drugs. Unlike traditional medications, this approach can be personalized to an individual's brain activity patterns, offering a tailored treatment option.12101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether stimulating the brain with electrical current during naps can increase certain kinds of brain activity that happen during sleep and lead to improvements in emotional health and stress resilience.Participants will attend up to 3 study visits, each of which may last up to 4-5 hours. During these visits, participants will wear a high density electroencephalography (hdEEG) cap and take a nap.
Research Team
Giulio Tononi, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for healthy, English-speaking adults aged 18-50 who are regular nappers and either citizens or permanent residents. It's not suitable for those with a history of significant head trauma, neurological disorders, metal in the body, seizures, certain medical conditions or devices, dental implants with metal, claustrophobia, night-shift workers, back issues preventing lying flat or unstable medical conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase I
Participants undergo multiple naps with varied parameters to identify optimal conditions for enhancing REM sleep
Phase II
Participants undergo two 90-minute naps with sham or non-sham stimulation conditions, completing questionnaires and emotion regulation tasks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in sleep quality, mood, and emotional response
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Transcranial electrical stimulation with Temporal Interference (TES-TI)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator