Using sound to improve sleep recovery after sleep deprivation

Slow-wave Sleep Enhancement Using Acoustic Stimulation to Facilitate Performance Recovery During Restricted Sleep After Sleep Deprivation

NA · Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) · NCT05309473

This study tests if using sound during a short sleep can help young adults feel more rested and alert after not getting enough sleep.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorWalter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) (fed)
Locations1 site (Silver Spring, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05309473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether brief acoustic stimulation during a limited recovery sleep period can enhance restorative sleep effects and improve alertness and performance after sleep deprivation. Participants will be subjected to either real acoustic stimulation using the Philips SmartSleep device or a sham treatment without sound. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in healthy adults aged 18 to 39 who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and non-pregnant, non-lactating women aged 18 to 39 with no history of sleep disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of sleep disorders or those who do not meet the specified sleep and lifestyle criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery from sleep deprivation, enhancing daily performance and alertness for individuals affected by sleep loss.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using acoustic stimulation during recovery sleep is novel, similar studies exploring sleep recovery methods have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and non-pregnant, non-lactating women 18 to 39 years of age (inclusive)
* Must demonstrate adequate comprehension of the protocol, by achieving a score of at least 80% correct on a short multiple-choice quiz. Individuals who fail to achieve a passing score on the initial quiz will be given one opportunity to retest after a review of protocol information. Individuals who fail the comprehension assessment for the second time will be disqualified.

Exclusion Criteria:

* You must have learned English as your first language
* You must have a body mass index (BMI) below 30 (this is a mathematical calculation of your height and weight)
* You must not have current or a history of sleeping problems (for example, insomnia or sleep apnea), or symptoms that indicate a potential sleep disorder
* You must get an average of 6-9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a normal sleep/wake schedule
* You must not drink excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or smoke cigarettes regularly
* You must not be on certain medications (determined on a case by case basis)
* You must test negative for illicit drugs
* Women must not be pregnant or nursing
* You must not be participating in another ongoing clinical trial
* You must have a social security number or tax identification number in order to be paid for screening and participation in the study
* You cannot have a history of the following conditions: Cardiovascular disease, a neurologic disorder, pulmonary disease requiring inhaler use, kidney disease or kidney abnormalities, liver disease of liver abnormalities, a history of psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization or medication within the last two years or for a continuous period of more than 6 months in the last ten years

Where this trial is running

Silver Spring, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sleep Deprivation, Sleep Restriction, Acoustic Stimulation, Performance, Alertness

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.