Increased Sleep Duration for Sleep Deprivation

Overseen By Christopher Depner

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Utah

Must not be taking: Prescription medications

Disqualifiers: Unstable medical, psychiatric, sleep disorders, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

46 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, participants must stop taking prescription medications and supplements at least one month before the study and cannot use them during the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Increased sleep duration for sleep deprivation?

Research shows that after sleep deprivation, longer sleep opportunities help improve alertness and performance. For example, after moderate sleep deprivation, a 9-hour sleep period helped people return to normal alertness and performance levels, while shorter sleep periods did not fully restore these functions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is increased sleep duration generally safe for humans?

Research suggests that increasing sleep duration is generally safe for humans. Proper sleep can help manage fatigue and improve performance, while sleep deprivation can lead to increased cortisol levels, which may affect stress response and health. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does increased sleep duration differ from other treatments for sleep deprivation?

Increased sleep duration is unique because it focuses on extending the amount of sleep to address sleep deprivation, unlike other treatments that often involve sleep restriction to improve sleep quality. This approach is based on the idea that many people are chronically sleep deprived and could benefit from simply getting more sleep, although the benefits to daytime alertness may be minor. ^{11 12 13 14 15}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This protocol will increase sleep duration in participants who maintain less than 6 hours sleep per night, to target the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. The focus of this study is determine how increasing nightly sleep duration in these individuals who maintain less than 6 hours sleep per night changes their plasma metabolome and insulin sensitivity. The primary outcome will examine changes in branched-chain amino acids and the secondary outcome will examine changes in insulin sensitivity. The investigators will also determine if changes in plasma metabolites can be used as a biomarker to discriminate between adequate versus insufficient sleep.

Research Team

Christopher Depner

Principal Investigator

University of Utah

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-35 with a BMI of 18.5-24.9, who sleep less than 6 hours per night and have lived at high altitudes like Denver's for over 3 months. It excludes those with unstable medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, significant sleep disorders, recent medication use or need during the study, drug users including nicotine and herbal products within a month prior to the study.

Inclusion Criteria

You have lived in a place as high as Denver or higher for at least 3 months.

Your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.

You don't regularly exercise at a moderate level.

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't used any drugs, medications, nicotine, or herbal products for a month.

You have worked night shifts in the past year or traveled across multiple time zones in the three weeks before the study.

Blood donation in the 30 days prior to inpatient study

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants sleep in the lab for one night based on their habitual insufficient sleep schedule. Plasma is collected for metabolomics analyses and an oral glucose tolerance test is conducted.

1 night

1 visit (in-person)

Increased Sleep Duration Intervention

Participants undergo a 4-week intervention to increase sleep duration to the recommended 7 hours per night.

4 weeks

Post-Intervention Assessment

Participants sleep in the lab for one night on their new sleep schedule. Plasma is collected for metabolomics analyses and an oral glucose tolerance test is conducted.

1 night

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in plasma metabolites and insulin sensitivity after the intervention.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Increased sleep duration

Trial Overview The trial aims to increase participants' nightly sleep from under 6 hours to the recommended 7 hours to see how it affects blood markers related to metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The main focus is on changes in branched-chain amino acids as primary outcomes and insulin sensitivity as secondary outcomes.

Participant Groups

Group I: Increased Sleep Duration Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Following baseline assessments, participants will complete a 4-week increased sleep duration intervention followed by one night of sleep in the lab on this increased sleep duration schedule. In the morning, participants will have blood collected for metabolomics analyses and complete oral glucose tolerance testing

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

University of Colorado, Boulder

Collaborator

Trials

128

Recruited

29,600+

Findings from Research

The study found that after sleep deprivation, the total duration of desynchronized sleep during recovery increased significantly compared to the control value of 40 ± 4 seconds per hour.

This suggests that sleep recovery mechanisms may involve longer periods of desynchronized sleep, which could have implications for understanding sleep patterns and recovery after sleep loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Quantitative study of desynchronized sleep recovery after short term total deprivation in the cat]. Calasso, M., Cianci, T., Zamboni, G., et al.[2006]

The sleep-deprivation paradigm is a valuable method for exploring the functions of sleep, and integrating new measures can provide fresh insights into its effects.

Recent studies highlight the importance of better understanding the consequences of insomnia, suggesting that more research is needed in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk-taking and other effects of sleep loss on brain function and behaviour. Dijk, DJ.[2011]

In a study of six drug-free depressed patients over eleven days, sleep deprivation for 36 or 40 hours resulted in a temporary improvement in depressive symptoms for four out of the six participants.

The study found that changes in sleep patterns did not correlate with the observed improvements in clinical state, suggesting that the benefits of sleep deprivation may not be directly linked to sleep changes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep deprivation: outcome of controlled single case studies of depressed patients. Knowles, JB., Southmayd, SE., Delva, N., et al.[2019]

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]

After moderate sleep deprivation, a single 9-hour recovery sleep opportunity can restore daytime performance and reduce sleepiness to baseline levels, but two such opportunities are needed for full recovery of sleep latencies.

In contrast, when recovery sleep is limited to 6 hours after moderate sleep deprivation, performance and sleepiness do not return to baseline, indicating that insufficient recovery time can lead to persistent deficits in daytime functioning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The dynamics of neurobehavioural recovery following sleep loss. Lamond, N., Jay, SM., Dorrian, J., et al.[2007]

Fatigue from sleep loss is a significant issue in modern work environments, leading to cognitive performance declines and increased occupational risks, especially for those on non-standard schedules.

Effective strategies to combat fatigue include proper work/rest scheduling, good sleep hygiene, and the use of sleep-inducing medications or alertness-enhancing compounds when necessary, along with education on these methods to optimize alertness management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alertness management strategies for operational contexts. Caldwell, JA., Caldwell, JL., Schmidt, RM.[2008]

Acute partial and total sleep deprivation in young men led to significant increases in evening cortisol levels, with increases of 37% and 45% respectively, indicating that sleep loss can disrupt the body's stress hormone regulation.

The study found that sleep deprivation delayed the normal decrease in cortisol levels by at least one hour, suggesting that even short-term sleep loss can affect the body's ability to manage stress and may contribute to negative health effects over time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening. Leproult, R., Copinschi, G., Buxton, O., et al.[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]

Chronic sleep loss significantly impairs performance, especially during the circadian night, highlighting the cumulative negative effects of insufficient sleep over time.

While 10-hour sleep opportunities can temporarily restore performance after sleep deprivation, the benefits diminish quickly, indicating that recovery from chronic sleep loss is not as simple as one long sleep session.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Uncovering residual effects of chronic sleep loss on human performance. Cohen, DA., Wang, W., Wyatt, JK., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 34 healthy young men, sleep restriction of 4 hours per night led to significant insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia, highlighting the negative impact of sleep loss on metabolic health.

Clamping cortisol and testosterone levels during sleep restriction reduced insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia by 50%, suggesting that maintaining these hormone levels may help protect against metabolic disturbances caused by lack of sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clamping Cortisol and Testosterone Mitigates the Development of Insulin Resistance during Sleep Restriction in Men. Liu, PY., Lawrence-Sidebottom, D., Piotrowska, K., et al.[2022]

Extended nighttime sleep may not significantly improve daytime alertness for most people, as laboratory studies show only minor improvements in alertness after longer sleep durations, which could be achieved more effectively with short naps.

The idea that many individuals are chronically sleep deprived is challenged, as increased sleep duration may not be necessary for well-being, and people often sleep longer not due to sleepiness but rather due to the opportunity to do so.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Should we be taking more sleep? Harrison, Y., Horne, JA.[2015]

Partial sleep deprivation in healthy adult men showed that restricting sleep to earlier hours (12:00 AM to 3:00 AM) resulted in less REM sleep and longer time to reach REM compared to later hours (3:00 AM to 6:00 AM).

Participants who had earlier sleep restriction performed better on psychomotor vigilance tasks, indicating that earlier sleep may enhance daytime alertness, and the negative effects of sleep deprivation can be reversed with adequate sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of different sleep restriction protocols on sleep architecture and daytime vigilance in healthy men. Wu, H., Stone, WS., Hsi, X., et al.[2021]

Epidemiological studies, including data from 1.1 million respondents, indicate that sleeping more than 7.5 hours per night is linked to increased mortality, suggesting that long sleep duration may be a risk factor for health issues.

Mild sleep restriction could potentially reduce mortality rates among long sleepers and may also provide benefits such as improved mood and effectiveness in treating primary insomnia, particularly in older adults who often experience excessive sleep and fragmentation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long sleep and mortality: rationale for sleep restriction. Youngstedt, SD., Kripke, DF.[2022]

A study involving 25 young, healthy adults showed that reducing sleep from 8 to 6 hours per night for one week led to increased daytime sleepiness and decreased performance on cognitive tasks.

The research also found that this modest sleep restriction resulted in higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and altered cortisol secretion, indicating potential negative effects on health and well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects of modest sleep restriction on sleepiness, performance, and inflammatory cytokines. Vgontzas, AN., Zoumakis, E., Bixler, EO., et al.[2022]

Chronic sleep restriction (CSR) in healthy individuals led to a significant reduction in sleep duration but resulted in increased Slow-Wave Activity and more consolidated sleep, suggesting that CSR may enhance certain aspects of sleep quality.

Despite improvements in sleep metrics, sustained attention and neurobehavioral performance did not fully recover after nine nights of recovery sleep, indicating that sleep duration is a critical factor in assessing overall sleep quality and its effects on cognitive function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of chronic sleep restriction on sleep continuity, sleep structure, and neurobehavioral performance. Xin, Q., Yuan, RK., Zitting, KM., et al.[2023]

References

1. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Quantitative study of desynchronized sleep recovery after short term total deprivation in the cat]. [2006]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk-taking and other effects of sleep loss on brain function and behaviour. [2011]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep deprivation: outcome of controlled single case studies of depressed patients. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The characteristics of recovery sleep when recovery opportunity is restricted. [2019]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The dynamics of neurobehavioural recovery following sleep loss. [2007]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alertness management strategies for operational contexts. [2008]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening. [2022]

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Sleep deprivation therapy. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Uncovering residual effects of chronic sleep loss on human performance. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clamping Cortisol and Testosterone Mitigates the Development of Insulin Resistance during Sleep Restriction in Men. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Should we be taking more sleep? [2015]

12. Czech Republic pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of different sleep restriction protocols on sleep architecture and daytime vigilance in healthy men. [2021]

13. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long sleep and mortality: rationale for sleep restriction. [2022]

14. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects of modest sleep restriction on sleepiness, performance, and inflammatory cytokines. [2022]

15. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of chronic sleep restriction on sleep continuity, sleep structure, and neurobehavioral performance. [2023]