Enhancing REM sleep through brain stimulation during naps
Rapid Eye Movement Restoration and Enhancement for Sleep-deprived Trauma-adaptation
NA · University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06547086
This study is testing if using brain stimulation during naps can improve REM sleep and help people feel better emotionally and handle stress better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06547086 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate whether applying electrical stimulation to the brain during naps can enhance specific brain activities associated with REM sleep, potentially improving emotional health and stress resilience. Participants will undergo multiple naps while wearing a high-density EEG cap, with varying stimulation parameters to identify the most effective methods for enhancing REM sleep. The study consists of two phases, including randomized conditions and assessments of emotional regulation before and after the naps.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-50 who regularly take naps at least once a week.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological disorders, seizures, or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved emotional health and resilience to stress for individuals who regularly take naps.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electrical stimulation during sleep is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing sleep quality and emotional regulation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-50 years * Medically healthy * English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires) * Citizen or holding permanent resident status * Regular napper (1 or more naps per week) Exclusion Criteria: * Any current or past history of neurological disorders or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), including intracranial lesions * History or head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness; or a history of \>3 grade 1 concussions * Current history of poorly controlled headaches including intractable or poorly controlled migraines * Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc) * History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, histoy of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG, or family history of treatment resistant epilepsy with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist * Possible pregnancy or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months * Any metal in the body * Any medical devices or implants (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, vagal nerve stimulator) unless otherwise approved by the responsible MD * Dental implants containing metal * Any medication that may alter seizure threshold: ADHD stimulants (Adderall, amphetamine); tricyclic/stypical antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepine, imipramine, maprotiline, nortriptyline, buproprion); antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine); bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline); antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, imipenem, penicillin, cephalosporins, metronidazole, isoniazid); Antivirals (valacyclovir, ritonavir); OTC antihistamines (diphenhydramine, Benadryl) * Claustrophobia (a fear of small or closed places) * Back problems that would prevent lying flat for up to two hours * Regular night-shift work (second or third shift)
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giulio Tononi, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Stephanie G Jones
- Email: sgjones2@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-263-3447
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy Volunteers, Regular nap taker