Sleep Management for Sleep Deprivation

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Robert Stickgold, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Must not be taking: Sleeping pills, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Sleep disturbances, Mental illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand how sleep deprivation and recovery sleep affect emotional processing. Researchers will examine how a lack of sleep impacts emotional recall and identify the brain and body responses involved. Participants will either stay awake (experiencing sleep deprivation), take a daytime nap, or get a full night's sleep before testing. This trial is ideal for individuals without sleep issues or mental health disorders who can follow the study's guidelines. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on sleep and emotional processing.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any drugs that could affect sleep or cognitive functioning, such as sleeping pills or antidepressants, to participate in this trial.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that daytime naps are generally safe and can enhance alertness and performance. Studies suggest that naps lasting between 30 and 60 minutes can improve both mental and physical abilities, reducing tiredness without negative effects.

Sleep deprivation, or insufficient sleep, is common, especially among college students, with about half reporting daytime sleepiness. Short-term sleep deprivation is usually safe but can cause tiredness and affect mood and focus. However, it typically doesn't cause long-term harm if sleep is later recovered.

In this trial, both sleep deprivation and daytime naps are safe for short periods. Participants should monitor their body's responses and consult the study team with any concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to manage sleep deprivation, a condition that impacts daily functioning and health. Traditional methods for dealing with sleep deprivation often involve sleep aids or stimulants, but this trial investigates the effects of sleep deprivation, daytime naps, and overnight sleep on cognitive performance. The unique aspect of this study lies in examining how daytime naps might serve as an effective, natural intervention to restore cognitive function without the need for pharmaceuticals. By comparing these different approaches, researchers hope to better understand how sleep patterns influence our ability to learn and perform tasks, potentially offering new insights into managing sleep-related challenges.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for sleep deprivation?

Research shows that daytime naps can compensate for lost sleep. In this trial, one group of participants will take a daytime nap, which studies have found boosts performance and reduces tiredness. For instance, if sleep was missed the night before, a nap can improve memory and thinking skills. One study found that naps can temporarily ease tiredness from ongoing sleep loss. Overall, daytime naps can enhance focus and reduce fatigue. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tony Cunningham, PhD

Principal Investigator

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who can follow the study's rules and are willing to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during the study. They must have normal vision (with or without correction) and be right-handed. People with sleep issues, mental illness, neurological disorders, or those taking medication affecting sleep or cognition cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing and able to meet inclusion criteria for fMRI scanning

Willing to refrain from alcohol and recreational drugs for the duration of the protocol

Normal or corrected to normal vision is required

Exclusion Criteria

You have trouble sleeping and have reported it yourself.

You are left-handed or can use both hands equally well.

You have a history of mental illness or problems with your brain or nerves.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Sleep Deprivation

Participants undergo sleep deprivation before participating in training and testing sessions

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Daytime Nap

Participants are given a 2-hour nap opportunity to quantify its restorative effects

2 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Overnight Sleep

Participants are permitted a night of polysomnograph-recorded sleep before participating in training and testing sessions

1 night

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in emotional memory and affective reactivity after interventions

1-2 days

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Daytime nap
• Sleep Deprivation

Trial Overview

The study examines how lack of sleep and recovery sleep affect emotional memory and mood reactions. It will look at how a good night's rest versus being awake all night influences emotions, what brain activities are linked to these effects, and if a nap can help reverse any negative impacts of missed sleep.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Daytime Nap Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Subjects are trained and then retested after a daytime nap

Group II: Sleep deprivation Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects sleep deprived before participating in training and testing sessions the next day

Group III: Overnight sleep Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects are permitted a night of polysomnograph-recorded sleep before participating in training and testing sessions the next day

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

872

Recruited

12,930,000+

Boston College

Collaborator

Trials

40

Recruited

49,300+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Sleep deprivation is a major issue for patients in critical care units, significantly affected by factors like noise, light, discomfort, and frequent medical interventions.

To improve patient sleep quality, it is essential to educate healthcare providers about sleep stages and integrate sleep management into care plans, including evaluating the impact of medications on sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep deprivation in critical care units. Honkus, VL.[2019]

Sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues such as increased risk of all-cause mortality, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep disorders for public health.

Treating obstructive sleep apnea is a cost-effective healthcare intervention, providing significant quality-adjusted life years gained compared to other medical therapies, making it a valuable focus for improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The public health and safety consequences of sleep disorders. Sigurdson, K., Ayas, NT.[2007]

In a study with 20 healthy adults, recovery from one night of total sleep deprivation was significantly better with 9 hours of sleep compared to 6 hours, highlighting the importance of total sleep time (TST) for recovery.

Participants who had only 6 hours of recovery sleep showed persistent deficits in waking functions, with response times and alertness remaining below baseline levels throughout the recovery period, indicating that restricted sleep opportunities hinder recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The characteristics of recovery sleep when recovery opportunity is restricted. Jay, SM., Lamond, N., Ferguson, SA., et al.[2019]

Sleep deficiency is a widespread issue in modern society, influenced by various factors such as occupation, social demands, and health conditions, affecting both physical and mental health.

The consequences of inadequate sleep can significantly impact cognitive function, mood, and overall health, including diabetes and cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep quality and duration.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep Deficiency: Epidemiology and Effects. Gohari, A., Baumann, B., Jen, R., et al.[2022]

Regulations on duty hours and rest periods are crucial for maintaining safety and accreditation in medical settings, as non-compliance can lead to serious consequences.

Understanding the science of sleep is becoming increasingly important in the medical field, highlighting the need for proper rest to ensure optimal performance and patient care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

New graduate standards limit residents' hours. [2007]

Sleep quality in ICU and acute ward settings is significantly affected by environmental factors like noise and light, as well as illness-related issues such as pain and anxiety.

Effective sleep-promoting strategies include both pharmacological aids and non-pharmacological methods, such as reducing noise and using earplugs or eye masks, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to implement behavioral changes to enhance patient sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to improve inpatients' sleep quality in intensive care units and acute wards: a literature review. Aparício, C., Panin, F.[2022]

Sleep deprivation has serious effects on health and performance, making it essential for individuals to prioritize getting enough quality sleep based on their personal needs.

For those unable to achieve adequate sleep due to medical conditions or work demands, wake-promoting medications like caffeine and modafinil can help manage excessive daytime sleepiness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Countermeasures for sleep loss and deprivation. Kushida, CA.[2020]

Chronic sleep restriction (5 hours of sleep for 5 nights) significantly impaired spatial working memory performance in healthy participants, even after a recovery night of sleep, highlighting the lasting effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function.

Acute sleep deprivation (38 hours without sleep) further exacerbated impairments in spatial working memory for those with prior chronic sleep loss, indicating that individuals with sleep deficits are more vulnerable to cognitive decline during periods of acute sleep loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse interaction effects of chronic and acute sleep deficits on spatial working memory but not on verbal working memory or declarative memory. Hennecke, E., Lange, D., Steenbergen, F., et al.[2021]

In a study of 50 critically ill patients across 4 intensive care units, it was found that patients experienced an average of 42.6 care interactions per night, significantly disrupting their sleep, with only 9 nights allowing for 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

The study highlighted that most care activities, including routine baths, occurred during nighttime hours, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to reduce nighttime disruptions and promote better sleep for critically ill patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nocturnal care interactions with patients in critical care units. Tamburri, LM., DiBrienza, R., Zozula, R., et al.[2022]

Sleep fragmentation and deprivation lead to increased sleepiness, decreased performance on memory and reaction tasks, and worsened mood, with the severity of these symptoms linked more to the amount of sleep lost than the type of disturbance.

Both conditions can worsen sleep apnea, highlighting the need for clinicians to identify and treat Insufficient Sleep Syndrome, especially as these issues are common in today's society.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical effects of sleep fragmentation versus sleep deprivation. Bonnet, MH., Arand, DL.[2022]

Therapeutic sleep deprivation has been shown to have antidepressant effects, supported by numerous studies since its introduction in 1971, making it a potential treatment option for depressive disorders.

Partial sleep deprivation late at night is as effective as total sleep deprivation, offering a simpler and more practical method for inducing wakefulness in patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep deprivation therapy. Kuhs, H., Tölle, R.[2019]

Insufficient sleep is a major public health issue influenced by various factors such as sleep disorders, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices, leading to significant health consequences.

The article emphasizes the need for precision medicine to better understand sleep insufficiency and develop personalized strategies to improve sleep quality and patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Precision Medicine for Sleep Loss and Fatigue Management. Pichard, LE., Simonelli, G., Schwartz, L., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 374 hospitalized patients, nonpharmacologic interventions such as earplugs, eye masks, and aromatherapy led to a significant increase in total sleep time by 40 minutes compared to usual care, with patients in the intervention group averaging 6 hours and 45 minutes of sleep.

The postponement of morning vital sign checks and medication rounds from night to day significantly reduced sleep disturbances, suggesting that simple changes in hospital routines can enhance patient sleep quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of Nonpharmacologic Interventions and Sleep Outcomes in Hospitalized Medical and Surgical Patients: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. van den Ende, ES., Merten, H., Van der Roest, L., et al.[2022]

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Taking a peek at sleep statistics nationwide can help you understand key aspects of sleep health, as well as how widespread sleep issues are.

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