Sleep for Visual Learning

(Visuallearning Trial)

Overseen By Professor, PHD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brown University

Must not be taking: Psychoactive drugs, Neuroleptics

Disqualifiers: Visual disorders, Sleep disorders, Pregnancy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand how sleep aids in learning visual information, such as recognizing shapes or patterns. Researchers will use MRI scans and other tools to observe brain activity during sleep. The trial seeks participants with normal vision who do not have sleep issues or use certain drugs. Those with good eyesight and no sleep problems may find this a suitable opportunity. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on sleep and learning.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how sleep impacts visual learning, which is different from traditional methods that focus on direct visual training techniques or cognitive therapies. Unlike these standard approaches, this trial aims to uncover the potential of sleep as a natural enhancer of visual processing and memory consolidation. Understanding how sleep can be optimized as a tool for improving visual learning could open up new, non-invasive ways to boost cognitive abilities without relying on medication or intensive training programs.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy individuals aged 18-30 with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. It's not suitable for pregnant people, those with eye disorders, drug users affecting cognition/motor skills, anyone with implants affected by magnets, a history of sleep disorders, failed visual tests, brain vessel clips, intrauterine device users or denture wearers.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 30 years old.

My vision is normal or corrected to normal.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy

I have eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma.

I am not taking drugs that affect my thinking or movement.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pretest and Orientation Decoder Construction

Participants undergo pretest of orientation detection and orientation decoder construction inside the MRI scanner

1 week

2 visits (in-person)

Adaptation Nap

Participants familiarize themselves with the experimental setting to minimize the first night effect

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Nap

Participants undergo a baseline nap session to collect data on sleep stages and BOLD signals

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Training and Posttraining Nap

Participants engage in orientation detection training followed by a posttraining nap to assess changes in visual processing during sleep

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Posttest

Participants undergo posttest of orientation detection to assess performance improvement

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in visual sensitivity and decoding accuracy

5 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Trial Overview The study investigates how sleep contributes to visual and spatial learning. Participants will undergo MRI scans and polysomnography during sleep to track brain activation and understand the mechanisms behind this facilitation of perceptual learning.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brown University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

480

Recruited

724,000+

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator

Trials

315

Recruited

251,000+