Breathing training to improve sleep apnea and cognitive function
Official title: Micromanaging Human Sleep Physiology to Treat Sleep Apnea and Other Disorders
Run by Northwestern University · NCT06926036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether breathing training can help people with sleep apnea sleep better and think more clearly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06926036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are right-handed, English-speaking adults aged 18-60 with suspected obstructive sleep apnea who are not currently receiving treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other sleep disorders, neurological or cardiometabolic diseases, or those currently undergoing treatment for sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a combination of breathing training during wakefulness and targeted reactivation of this training during sleep on individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Participants will undergo a week of breath training at home, followed by a night of sleep monitoring in a lab setting to assess changes in breathing patterns and cognitive benefits. The approach aims to leverage both behavioral and physiological interventions to enhance sleep quality and cognitive performance in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and cognitive function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of interventions in this study may be novel, similar approaches focusing on breathing techniques have shown promise in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Right-handed, English-speaking adults, 18-60 years old who report normal hearing during sleep 2. Participants with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (including those who have been diagnosed by a physician and those whose self-reported symptoms of OSA on the STOP-BANG questionnaire classify them as being "individuals with intermediate to high risk". 3. No report of any other sleep disorder besides OSA. 4. No report of any neurological or cardiometabolic diseases or disorders. 5. Not currently under active treatment for sleep apnea. 6. BMI ≤ 40.
Where it's running
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ken A Paller, PhD — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Ken A Paller, PhD
- Email: kap@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 847-467-3370
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.