Transcranial Electrical Stimulation at Slow Oscillation Frequency During NREM Sleep: An Assessment of Effects on the Restorative Properties of Sleep
U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if the enhancement of electroencephalographic (EEG) slow-wave activity using transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) at Slow Oscillation (SO) frequency, during a restricted period of nocturnal sleep, enhances the restorative properties of that period of sleep and improves performance during a subsequent period of sleep deprivation.
Description
40 subjects will be enrolled and randomized to participate in this study. A 60 minute TES stimulation sequence consisting of a SO frequency stimulation (TES SO) using the NeuroConn DC Stimulator PLUS or a sham stimulation will be administered during the second hour of a two hour nocturnal sleep period. During wake period subjects will be tested using various cognitive, subjective and objective sleepiness and mood measures. Vital signs measurements will be taken to monitor general health issues. Up to 4 subjects will be enrolled per study session. Due to logistical reasons, no more then 2 subje…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–39 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
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: * Self-reported habitual nightly sleep amounts outside the target range of 6 - 9 hours (i.e.,…
Interventions
- DeviceNeuroConn DC Stimulator PLUS
Prior to bedtime on the sleep restriction night, 4 transcranial stimulation electrodes (two on each hemisphere) will be applied to the scalps of each subject. Subjects will receive a one hour period of SO stimulation, for a total of approximately two hours of sleep.
- DeviceSHAM TES
Prior to bedtime on the sleep restriction night, 4 placebo transcranial stimulation electrodes (two on each hemisphere) will be applied to the scalps of each subject. Subjects will sleep for approximately 2 hours without stimulation.
Location
- Naval Medcical Research Center (NMRC) Clincal Trials CenterBethesda, Maryland