Investigating Slow Wave Sleep Enhancement to Improve Cognitive Function in Adults With Depression
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Summary
The goal of this pilot study is to determine if non-invasive brain stimulation during sleep can increase deep sleep in adults with depression. It will also determine if increased deep sleep improves cognitive performance and mood ratings. Participants will be asked to wear a non-invasive device that records their brain activity and delivers transcranial electrical stimulation during sleep. Participants will also wear an actigraphy watch that measures activity levels throughout the study. In addition, participants will complete several cognitive assessments and mood and sleep questionnaires throughout the study.
Description
The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) delivered during slow-wave sleep (SWS) can enhance this stage of sleep in people with depression. Individuals with depression frequently report sleep and cognitive disturbances as symptoms associated with their depression. However, common anti-depressants often fail to improve these symptoms. A pilot study with this device showed that TES can enhance slow wave sleep in healthy individuals. This study aims to evaluate if TES will enhance deep sleep in individuals with depression as well, le…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to complete overnight sleep study including placement of EEG leads * Ability to read and understand English. * Moderate depression * Self-reported cognitive complaints Exclusion Criteria: * Previous adverse reaction to transcranial electrical stimulation * Presence of implanted devices (e.g. intracranial device, cochlear implant) * Presence of metal in head (e.g. surgical clip) * Sensitivity or allergy to silver * Presence of significant neurologic disease (e.g. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy/seizure disorder, severe migraine disorder) * History of significant h…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscranial Electrical Stimulation (TES)
Using the Sleep WISP device, transcranial electrical stimulation will be delivered during sleep as 0.5 Hz sine wave, 0.5 mA, between frontal (frontopolar and inferior lateral frontal) and posterior (mastoid and occipital) electrodes.
Location
- Wake Forest University Health SciencesWinston-Salem, North Carolina