Improving emotion regulation through napping after a concussion
Official title: RESET: Regulation of Emotion, Sleep Extension, and mTBI
Run by Merrimack College · NCT06883006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Merrimack College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (North Andover, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06883006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Merrimack College
North Andover, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laura Kurdziel, PhD
- Email: kurdziell@merrimack.edu
- Phone: 978-837-5361
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.