Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 40 to 75

Effects of dexmedetomidine and esketamine on sleep after cardiac surgery

Official title: Clinical Study of Perioperative Sleep Disorders in Cardiac Surgery

Run by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · NCT06778811 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether the medications dexmedetomidine or esketamine can help improve sleep for people recovering from heart surgery.

More Dexmedetomidine trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 11, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2025
Study endsSeptember 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT06778811 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients classified as ASA class II-III and NYHA class I-III, with an ejection fraction of 50% or greater, who are scheduled for cardiac surgery requiring extracorporeal circulation.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of sleep disorders, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, or those undergoing second heart surgeries 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 clinical trial investigates how dexmedetomidine and esketamine influence postoperative sleep disturbances in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants will receive either dexmedetomidine, esketamine, or a saline control during surgery, followed by assessments of their sleep quality on the first and third postoperative days. The study aims to determine which of the two medications is more effective in preventing sleep issues after surgery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative recovery and sleep quality for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of dexmedetomidine and esketamine for this purpose may be novel, similar studies have shown that managing postoperative sleep disturbances can significantly enhance recovery outcomes.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ASA class II-III, NYHA class I-III, EF ≥ 50%
2. Intended to perform cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergoing second heart surgery
2. Patients with mental retardation, deafness, or other conditions that interfere with normal communication
3. Previous neurological or psychiatric disorders
4. Patients with a history of sleep disorders
5. Alcoholics, drug addicts, or psychotropic substance abusers
6. Significant hepatic or renal dysfunction affecting drug metabolism
7. Contraindication to the use of dexmedetomidine or esketamine.

Where it's running

  • Nanjing First Hospital
    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
    Recruiting
  • Nanjing First Hospital,Nanjing Medical University
    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.