Understanding how sleep deprivation affects emotional memory and recovery sleep
The Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Recovery Sleep on Emotional Memory and Affective Reactivity
This study is testing how not getting enough sleep affects our emotions and memory, and whether getting good sleep afterward can help fix those effects, especially for people who are feeling stressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT03767426 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of acute sleep deprivation and subsequent recovery sleep on emotional memory processing and affective reactivity. Researchers will explore how sleep deprivation impacts the perception and retrieval of emotional information, utilizing functional MRI and psychophysiological measures to identify the underlying neural mechanisms. The study aims to provide insights into the role of sleep in emotional functioning, particularly for individuals under stress. By examining the potential for recovery sleep to reverse the effects of sleep deprivation, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of sleep's importance in emotional regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who are willing to participate in fMRI scanning and can adhere to the study protocol without any history of sleep disturbances or mental illness.
Not a fit: Patients with self-reported sleep disturbances, left-handedness, or a history of mental illness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing emotional health through better sleep practices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success in understanding the relationship between sleep and cognitive functions, but this specific focus on emotional memory processing 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: * self-reported sleep disturbances * left-handedness or ambidexterity * a history of mental illness or neurological disorder * the use of any drugs that could affect either sleep or cognitive functioning (e.g., sleeping pills or antidepressants)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Tony Cunningham — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tony Cunningham, PhD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tony J Cunningham, PhD
- Email: acunnin4@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-632-7927
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.