Understanding how people can wake up without alarms
Official title: Cognitive Control During Sleep: the Strange Case of Self-Awakening, a Prospective Observational Study
Run by IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT06685380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how some people can wake up on their own without alarms to see what helps them do that and what it means for their brain and sleep.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS San Raffaele Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, Italy) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 15, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06685380 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 65 who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant respiratory disorders, neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those unable to understand the study procedures may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the phenomenon of self-awakening, where individuals can wake up without external timekeepers. It explores the role of ultradian brain oscillators and their relationship to sleep cycles, particularly during REM sleep. By examining both subjective and objective methodologies, the study aims to clarify the mechanisms behind self-awakening and its potential cognitive implications. Participants will be monitored to gather insights into their experiences and the factors influencing their ability to wake up spontaneously.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sleep mechanisms and improve strategies for managing sleep-related issues.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of self-awakening has been reported, this specific investigation into its mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects, both men and women * aged over 18 and under 65 * Ability to understand and sign the informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects unable to read, understand, or correctly complete the procedures required by the study * Subjects with significant respiratory disorders (respiratory failure, pneumopathy, pneumothorax, COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and sleep-related respiratory disorders (OSA-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, central apneas) * Subjects with nocturnal epilepsy, epilepsy, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) parasomnias * Subjects with neurological and/or psychiatric disorders * Subjects with any form of senile dementia * Subjects with significant internal medical conditions that could impair sleep, at the discretion of the study physician (diabetes, arterial hypertension, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome)
Where it's running
-
UO Neurologia Centro di Medicina del sonno
Milan, Italy, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luigi Ferini-Strambi, MD — UO Neurologia Centro di Medicina del sonno
- Study coordinator: Luigi Ferini-Strambi, MD
- Email: ferinistrambi.luigi@hsr.it
- Phone: +390226433363
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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.