Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Itch and Pain Sensitivity

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

NA · Aalborg University · NCT06081998

This study tests how not getting enough sleep affects how much people feel itchiness and pain, and looks at how anxiety and depression might play a role in that.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University (other)
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT06081998 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experiment investigates how sleep deprivation influences itch and pain sensitivity in healthy participants. It aims to compare the effects of sleep fragmentation 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. 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 for this study are healthy men and women aged 18-60 who can speak and understand English and have access to a smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological, dermatological, or psychiatric disorders, as well as 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 improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from chronic itch and pain sensitivity.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored the impact of sleep on pain sensitivity, this specific investigation into itch sensitivity related to sleep deprivation 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Histamine, Cowhage, Sleep Deprivation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.