Effects of disrupted sleep on itch and pain sensitivity

Investigation of the Effects of Sleep Provocations on Itch and Pain Sensitivity

Not applicable Interventional Aalborg University · NCT06081946

This study tests how broken sleep affects how much people feel itch and pain, looking to see if sleep problems are linked to anxiety and depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT06081946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how sleep fragmentation influences itch and pain sensitivity in healthy participants. It aims to compare the effects of sleep deprivation on both sensations and evaluate the inflammatory response by measuring C-reactive protein levels in blood samples. Additionally, the study will assess the correlation between anxiety and depression scores and their impact on itch and pain sensitivity due to sleep disruption. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between sleep quality and chronic itch, which affects a significant portion of the population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18-60 who can understand English and have access to a smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain or itch, neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those currently using medications that may affect the trial will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of chronic itch and pain sensitivity related to sleep disturbances.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored the impact of sleep on pain sensitivity, this specific investigation into sleep fragmentation's effects on itch is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and women
* 18-60 years
* Speak and understand English
* Access to a smartphone during the experimental nights

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation
* Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other drugs
* Previous or current history of neurological, dermatological, immunological musculoskeletal, cardiac disorder or mental illnesses (psychiatric diagnosis) that may affect the results (e.g., neuropathy, muscular pain in the upper extremities, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia etc.)
* Moles, wounds, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested
* Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines and pain killers.
* Skin diseases
* Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
* Acute or chronic pain and itch
* Participation in other trials within 1 week of study entry (4 weeks in the case of pharmaceutical studies)
* Lack of ability to cooperate

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

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 HistamineCowhageSleep Fragmentation
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.