Investigating how sleep affects memory and brain development in young children
Official title: Longitudinal Investigation of Sleep, Memory, and Brain Development Across the Nap Transition
Run by University of Maryland, College Park · NCT06351098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how sleep affects memory and brain growth in young children who take naps to see if better sleep helps them learn and remember things.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 36 Months to 60 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, College Park Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (College Park, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06351098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 36-60 months who are habitual nappers and sleep independently.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diagnosed sleep disorders, significant developmental disabilities, or those on sleep-altering medications 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 examines the relationship between sleep, memory, and brain development in children aged 36-54 months who are habitual nappers. Researchers will assess 180 children over three waves, focusing on sleep physiology, memory processing, and brain structure using MRI. Each wave includes nap or wake promotion sessions, memory assessments, and overnight sleep evaluations. The study aims to identify neural markers predicting sleep transitions and changes in memory processing related to sleep.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how sleep influences memory development in early childhood.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in sleep and memory, this longitudinal approach focusing on young children and nap transitions is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 36-60 months at the time of enrollment 2. must be a habitual napper (defined as napping 5 or more days/week on average for the past month) 3. must sleep independently (not bedsharing; in order to maintain consistent sleep not interrupted by others) Exclusion Criteria: 1. diagnosis of any sleep disorder (other than mild parasomnia which is routine at this age) past or present (Child's Sleep Habit Questionnaire) 2. current use of psychotropic or sleep-altering medications (Developmental, Health, and Environment Questionnaire) 3. traveling beyond 1 time zone within 1 month prior to testing (phone screening) 4. fever or symptoms of respiratory illness at the time of testing (phone screening) 5. physical handicap which interferes with assessments (vision, hearing impairment; phone screening) 6. diagnosed developmental disability (Developmental, Health, and Environment Questionnaire) 7. history of neurological injury such as history of seizures, brain tumor, or stroke (phone screening) 8. presence of metal in the body (e.g., implant of any form) or other contraindication for MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, which is rare at this age). 9. external influences on nap habits (e.g., inability to nap due to school or caregiver schedule or interfering activities during a typical naptime) including if the child will enroll in full-day kindergarten by the end of the study. Caregivers will also be queried for the presence of interfering activities throughout enrollment (e.g., ecological momentary assessment (or EMA), sleep diaries at each wave).
Where it's running
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University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
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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.