Assessing sleep and circadian rhythms in older adults after major orthopedic surgery

Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Biomarkers of Postoperative Delirium

Observational Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06052397

This study is testing how sleep patterns and certain biological markers in older adults after major orthopedic surgery can help us understand the risk of confusion and memory problems afterward.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06052397 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify sleep and circadian biomarkers associated with postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Participants will wear an actigraphy watch to monitor their sleep patterns and provide blood samples for analysis of Alzheimer's disease pathology and inflammation. The study will also evaluate how these biomarkers relate to cognitive decline and the risk of delirium post-surgery. Follow-up assessments will occur remotely at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery to gather additional data on cognitive function and sleep.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 70 and above scheduled for major orthopedic surgery with an expected inpatient recovery of more than 24 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment, severe neurocognitive damage, or those unable to wear an actigraphy watch will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for postoperative delirium in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored sleep and delirium, this specific approach focusing on sleep biomarkers in the context of major orthopedic surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 70 years old
* Scheduled to undergo major orthopedic surgery
* Expected postoperative recovery of more than 24 hours as an inpatient

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment leading to inability to consent
* Patients with limited mobility or inability to wear an actigraphy watch
* Patients with infection at the site of actigraphy watch, allergies to materials of watch
* Patients with \> two days in the ICU during the month prior to surgery
* Renal or liver failure
* Severe neurocognitive damage or history of psychiatric illness
* Blindness or deafness
* Patients who are non-English speaking

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Delirium, PostoperativeCognitive DeclineDementiaSleepPostoperative DeliriumCircadian RhythmsCognition
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.