Investigating how sleep loss affects emotion regulation
The Impact of Insufficient Sleep and Insomnia Disorder on Behavioral and Neural Markers of Emotion Regulation
This study is testing how losing sleep for three nights affects people's ability to handle their emotions compared to those with insomnia and healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05393830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effects of three nights of sleep restricted to 4 hours on emotional processing and regulation compared to individuals with Insomnia Disorder and healthy controls. The research aims to understand how sleep deprivation impacts the ability to perceive and manage emotional responses, utilizing fMRI and psychophysiological measures to assess neural and bodily reactions. By exploring these dynamics, the study seeks to fill gaps in understanding the relationship between sleep and emotional functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Insomnia Disorder and healthy adults who can participate in sleep restriction protocols.
Not a fit: Patients who are left-handed, ambidextrous, or using medications that affect sleep or cognition may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how improving sleep quality may enhance emotional regulation in individuals with sleep disturbances.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of sleep on cognitive functions, but this specific investigation into emotional processing during sleep deprivation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * willing and able to follow the protocol * willing and able to meet inclusion criteria for fMRI scanning * willing to refrain from alcohol and recreational drugs for the duration of the protocol * normal or corrected to normal vision is required Exclusion Criteria: * left-handedness or ambidexterity * the use of any drugs that could affect either sleep or cognitive functioning (e.g., prescription sleeping pills or antidepressants)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Janet M Mullington, PhD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tony J Cunningham, PhD
- Email: acunnin4@BIDMC.Harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-667-3337
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.