Investigating the Role of Naps in Infant Memory Development
The Function of Biphasic Sleep in Infants
NA · University of Massachusetts, Amherst · NCT06399939
This study is testing how taking naps affects memory development in babies aged 9 to 15 months.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Months to 15 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Amherst (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Amherst, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06399939 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines how naps affect memory development in infants aged 9 to 15 months. Researchers will assess sleep patterns using a motion-detecting watch and brain activity electrodes while measuring memory through a deferred imitation task. Infants will be observed in both nap and wake conditions to determine the impact of sleep on memory recall. The study involves multiple visits over several months to track developmental changes in sleep and memory.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants who are 9 months old at enrollment and meet specific health criteria.
Not a fit: Patients who are premature, have developmental delays, or significant motor disabilities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of sleep's role in cognitive development, potentially leading to improved sleep recommendations for infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach may be novel, previous studies have indicated that sleep plays a crucial role in memory development, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 9 months at the time of enrollment 2. normal birthweight (5.5 to 10 lbs) and gestational length (36-41 weeks) 3. must be willing and able to return for testing in 3 and 6 months (e.g., no plans to move out of the area) Exclusion Criteria: 1. born premature (\<36 weeks gestational age) 2. receiving services due to developmental delays 3. visual or motor disability 4. score \<85 on cognitive and language composite scales and/or \<80 on the average of the two composites of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Fourth Edition (BSID-IV) administered at the first session. 5. Infants' motor development (gross and fine motor) will also be assessed using the BSID-IV, and an adjusted cutoff of 73 will be used to exclude infants with significant motor delays (given the motoric nature of the task). 6. traveling beyond 1 time zone within 2 weeks prior to testing (phone screening) 7. fever or symptoms of respiratory illness at the time of testing (phone screening) 8. physical handicap that interferes with assessments (vision, hearing impairment; phone screening) 9. history of neurological injury such as history of seizures, brain tumor, or stroke (phone screening) Parents/guardians of potential participants will be contacted via phone and/or email, at which time the details of the study will be specified and inclusion/exclusion criteria will be reviewed.
Where this trial is running
Amherst, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst — Amherst, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: Sleep Deprivation