Investigating how sleep affects memory in children with focal epilepsy
Official title: Sleep Related Memory Consolidation in Children With Age Related Focal Epilepsy.
Run by University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT03865771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how sleep affects memory in children with certain types of epilepsy to see if sleep problems make it harder for them to learn.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 95 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Nancy and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2019 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03865771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children with focal age-related epilepsy who have normal psychomotor development and are hospitalized for follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychiatric disorders, significant sensory impairments, or abnormal neuroimaging results 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 and memory consolidation in children diagnosed with age-related focal epilepsies, specifically benign epilepsy with centro temporal spikes, atypical benign partial epilepsy, and epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike and waves during sleep. The researchers hypothesize that epileptic activity during sleep disrupts memory consolidation, leading to learning difficulties. Participants will undergo neuropsychological testing, video EEG, and polysomnography to assess their sleep patterns and memory function. The study aims to better understand how these conditions affect cognitive development in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory and learning in children with focal epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, there is existing literature suggesting that sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, particularly in children with neurological conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Principal: * normal psychomotor development * informed consent signed by both parents and subject if able * affiliated to social security regimen Specific Patients from "severe" and "benign" groups: * focal age related epilepsy: BECTS, ABPE, ECSWS (ILAE criteria) * children hospitalized for their follow-up * normal neuroimaging Control group -children hospitalized for a non neurologic disease Exclusion Criteria: Principal: Psychiatric trouble (DSM V) Sensorial trouble without correction Poor command of French language Minor under care Specific Patients from "severe" and "benign" groups: * degenerative disease * abnormal neuroimaging * mental deficiency Control group * neurologic trouble * abnormal sleep EEG * intellectual deficiency
Where it's running
-
Hopital D'Enfants Pediatrie Medicale Ambulatoire
Nancy, France Recruiting -
Hopital de Hautepierre-Service de Pediatrie/Neurologie
Strasbourg, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne DE SAINT MARTIN, MD — Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
- Study coordinator: Anne DE SAINT MARTIN, MD
- Email: anne.desaintmartin@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: + 33 3.88.12.83.98
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.