Auditory stimulation during sleep to improve brain function in schizophrenia
The Effects of Auditory Stimulation During Sleep on Offline Learning and Thalamocortical-hippocampal Connectivity in Schizophrenia
This study is testing if listening to sounds while sleeping can help improve brain function and memory in people with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlestown, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06386588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of auditory stimulation during sleep on brain networks in individuals with schizophrenia. Participants will wear sleep headbands at home to measure brain rhythms and receive timed auditory cues while sleeping. The goal is to enhance the coordination of sleep rhythms across brain regions, potentially improving memory and overall brain function. The study will involve 30 adults with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls, with assessments including MRI scans and motor tasks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia who are either unmedicated or on a stable dose of antipsychotic medications.
Not a fit: Patients with significant hearing or vision loss, other neurological disorders, or unstable chronic medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cognitive function and memory in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of auditory stimulation during sleep is novel, similar studies exploring sleep modulation techniques have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-45 years old * Fluent in English * Able to give informed consent Additional inclusion for Adults with schizophrenia: * A DSM-V confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia * Unmedicated or maintained on a stable dose of APDs Exclusion Criteria: * Ferrous metal in the body * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Motor problems that preclude finger tapping task * IQ \<85 * Other neurological disorders, including seizure disorder * Significant hearing or vision loss * Chronic medical conditions that affect sleep * Unstable chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or cardiac disease * Diagnosed sleep disorder, except insomnia * History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness or other neurological sequelae Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy adults: * History of mental illness * Current use of psychotropic medications or treatment with medications known to affect sleep or cognition
Where this trial is running
Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lindsey Jones, MS
- Email: manoachlab@gmail.com
- Phone: 617-702-2368
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.