Improving emotion regulation through napping after a concussion

RESET: Regulation of Emotion, Sleep Extension, and mTBI

Phase 1 Interventional Merrimack College · NCT06883006

This study is testing whether taking a 1.5-hour nap can help young adults who recently had a concussion manage their emotions better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorMerrimack College Academic / other
Locations1 site (North Andover, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06883006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of sleep extension, specifically mid-day napping, on emotion regulation in individuals who have recently sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants aged 18 to 35 who have experienced a concussion within the last 2-3 weeks will be enrolled to complete an emotion regulation task after a 1.5-hour nap and after a quiet wakefulness session. The study will utilize polysomnography to monitor sleep stages and various neurophysiological measures to assess emotion regulation. The goal is to determine if napping can enhance emotional control and reduce the cognitive load required for emotion regulation in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 to 35 who have sustained their first or second concussion within the last 2-3 weeks and do not have sleep disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 or over 35 years old, have sustained a concussion more than 3 weeks ago, or have sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a low-risk and cost-effective treatment option for improving emotional well-being in individuals recovering from concussions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using napping for emotion regulation in mTBI is novel, related studies have shown that sleep can significantly impact cognitive and emotional functioning.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.
2. Have normal or corrected to normal vision
3. Sustained a FIRST or SECOND concussion within the last 2-3 weeks
4. No sleep disorders
5. Is not a shift worker

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Under 18 or over 35 years old.
2. Not have corrected normal vision with glasses or contacts
3. Has an astigmatism in both eyes
4. Had a concussion over 3 weeks ago
5. Has sleep disorder
6. Is a shift worker

Where this trial is running

North Andover, Massachusetts

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 Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryBrain ConcussionBrain Injuries, TraumaticSleepEmotion Regulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.