Non-invasive craniocervical lymphatic drainage to improve memory and thinking after sleep loss
Effects of Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD) on Memory and Cognitive Function in Adults With Sleep Deprivation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
This trial will try a gentle, non-invasive craniocervical lymphatic drainage technique to see if it improves memory and thinking in adults who are sleep-deprived.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The George Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tianjin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07084701 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This proof-of-concept interventional study applies a non-invasive superficial craniocervical lymphatic drainage (NSCLD) procedure to adults experiencing sleep deprivation. Participants receive either NSCLD or a sham intervention and complete standardized memory and cognitive tests before and after treatment. The study enrolls healthy college-aged adults free of major medical or psychiatric conditions and excludes pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those taking medications that affect cognition. Primary outcomes focus on short-term changes in attention, working memory, and executive function associated with the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy college students aged 18 or older who are currently experiencing sleep deprivation and are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications that influence memory or cognition.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic sleep disorders, uncontrolled medical conditions, prior craniocervical trauma or surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or inability to complete cognitive testing are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NSCLD could offer a quick, non-drug option to reduce short-term memory and cognitive problems caused by sleep loss.
How similar studies have performed: The approach is relatively novel in humans: preclinical and early translational work on the glymphatic system offers theoretical support, but controlled clinical evidence that lymphatic drainage improves cognition after sleep loss is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * College student ≥18 years, all of whom have passed a standardized entrance examination; * No failed exams during the course of study; * Sleep deprivation; * In good health, with no mental or psychological disorders; * No recent use of medications that may affect memory and cognition; * Voluntary participation and able to undergo cognitive function and memory testing; * Informed consent provided Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Presence of acute or chronic medical conditions (e.g., severe hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) that could confound the results. * History of craniocervical trauma or surgery. * Current use of sedative or anxiolytic medications that could influence sleep or cognitive function. * Participants who are unable to follow the procedures or complete the assessments
Where this trial is running
Tianjin
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital — Tianjin, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tao Liu, MD
- Email: TLiu1@georgeinstitute.org.au
- Phone: 86-18302204804
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.