Effects of disrupted sleep on pain sensitivity and biomechanics

The Impacts of Fragmented Sleep on Biomechanics and Pain of the Shoulder and Knee

Not applicable Interventional Aalborg University · NCT06336109

This study tests how interrupted sleep affects pain sensitivity and body movement in healthy people by seeing how they respond to painful injections after nights of disrupted sleep.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aalborg, Nordjylland)
Trial IDNCT06336109 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study investigates how sleep fragmentation affects pain sensitivity and biomechanics in healthy individuals. Participants will undergo two sessions, separated by three nights of sleep disruption involving forced awakenings. During each session, they will receive painful saline injections in the knee and shoulder while their pain sensitivity is assessed using cuff-pressure algometry. The study aims to understand the relationship between sleep disruption and increased pain sensitivity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18-45 years who have access to a smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a history of drug addiction, or suffer from neurological or musculoskeletal illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how sleep quality impacts pain perception, potentially leading to better pain management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated a link between sleep disturbances and pain sensitivity.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and women aged 18-45 years
* Must have a smartphone available during the experiment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Drug addiction, defined as the use of cannabis, opioids, or other drugs
* Previous or current neurologic or musculoskeletal illnesses
* Current pain
* Lack of ability to cooperate

Where this trial is running

Aalborg, Nordjylland

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 PainHealthySleep Disturbance
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.