Clinical Research Directory

AI-Powered Sleep Hygiene Mentor for Adults Living With HIV

Poor sleep is common among people living with HIV and is linked to fatigue, psychological distress and poorer adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study develops a mobile sleep hygiene mentor that uses artificial intelligence to give personalised sleep recommendations, with a dashboard that lets nurses follow participants and respond to risks. The mentor is built with adults living with HIV and HIV nurses and then tested for usability and feasibility. In the main evaluation, about 70 adults living with HIV with poor sleep use the mentor daily for four weeks, with two online nurse sessions, and are followed up four weeks later. The study measures sleep quality, insomnia severity, depression, anxiety and stress, fatigue, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, technology acceptance, engagement and safety.

Adenosine A2a Receptor-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Post-Stroke Sleep Disorders

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. It will test whether remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), a non-invasive arm-cuff treatment, can improve insomnia after ischemic stroke and whether adenosine A2A receptors and neuroinflammation are involved. About 136 patients will be enrolled. Eligible participants are 18-80 years old, right-handed, have had a first imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke 3-6 months earlier, have an mRS score ≤3, and report insomnia with a PSQI score \>5. Patients with other sleep disorders, severe medical conditions, or recent use of sleep-affecting medications will be excluded. Participants will be randomly assigned to RIC (cuff pressure 200 mmHg) or sham control (60 mmHg). Both groups will receive treatment twice daily for 90 days. Each session lasts 45 minutes and includes 5 cycles of 5-minute ischemia and 5-minute reperfusion. The primary outcome is the PSQI score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes include PSQI response (≥5-point decrease), insomnia remission (ISI \<8), polysomnographic sleep measures, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, mood, quality of life, blood inflammatory markers, and A2A receptor expression on monocytes. Follow-up will occur at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. This study may determine whether RIC is a safe, non-drug option for post-stroke insomnia and help clarify its anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism.

Evaluating the Effects of Tasimelteon vs. Placebo in Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD)

This is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a daily single oral dose of tasimelteon and matching placebo in male and female participants with DSWPD.

Mind After Midnight

This study examines whether wakefulness during the biological night (2:00-4:00 AM) is associated with increased negative mood, impaired decision-making, and suicidal thoughts. Adults with a history of suicidal ideation in the past six months will complete laboratory and home-based assessments under varying levels of sleep pressure. Participants will be evaluated during late-night wakefulness and under conditions of both higher and lower sleep pressure. The goal of the study is to better understand the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may contribute to elevated suicide risk during nocturnal wakefulness.

Sleep Architecture, Cognitive Function, and Quality of Life During Early Recovery From Substance Use Disorder

This prospective cohort study investigates how sleep disturbances affect cognitive recovery and quality of life during early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Chronic substance use frequently alters normal sleep architecture, which may impair attention, memory, and everyday functioning. The primary aim is to characterize baseline sleep patterns in adults with SUD compared to healthy control participants and determine whether baseline sleep disruptions predict cognitive and functional recovery over three months of monitored abstinence. The study includes two groups of participants aged 18 to 45 years: adults diagnosed with a primary substance use disorder undergoing treatment and monitored abstinence, and a comparison group of healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, education, work schedule, and caffeine or nicotine use. At the beginning of the study, all participants complete: * Structured diagnostic interviews and clinical assessments for mood, anxiety, and attention. * Questionnaires evaluating subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). * A global cognitive screening test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and a computerized attention test (Continuous Performance Task). * An overnight sleep study (polysomnography) conducted in a sleep laboratory following an initial adaptation night to objectively record brain waves, sleep stages, oxygen levels, and sleep continuity. Participants in the substance use disorder group undergo supervised abstinence monitoring via periodic clinical check-ins and random urine drug screens. At 1 month and 3 months post-baseline, participants repeat the cognitive tests, quality-of-life questionnaires, and mood/sleep assessments to track recovery trajectories over time (no repeat overnight sleep studies are performed).

Low-Frequency rTMS for Sleep After Thoracoscopic Lung Resection

This single-center randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will evaluate whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves postoperative inpatient sleep in adults undergoing elective thoracoscopic lung resection for primary lung cancer. A total of 220 participants will be assigned 1:1 to active or matched sham stimulation. Five sessions will be delivered during seven perioperative calendar days, with no more than one session per day. The primary outcome is each participant's mean Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) total score across postoperative inpatient nights 1-3, calculated from at least two eligible nights. Secondary outcomes include length of postoperative hospitalization, pain, quality of life, actigraphy-derived sleep, anxiety, depression, electroencephalographic measures, and safety.

Low-Frequency rTMS for In-Hospital Sleep Disturbance After Lung Transplantation

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will evaluate whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve in-hospital sleep quality in adult lung transplant recipients during early postoperative recovery. A total of 152 participants with in-hospital sleep disturbance after first single- or double-lung transplantation will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to active rTMS or matched sham stimulation. Active rTMS will target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and will be delivered once daily for 10 sessions within 10-14 days. The primary outcome is sleep quality measured using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire during the nights following stimulation sessions 8, 9, and 10. The study will also evaluate wearable-device sleep measures, insomnia symptoms, pain, mood, cognitive and functional outcomes, safety, feasibility, and changes in brain activity measured by 64-channel electroencephalography.

Low-Frequency rTMS for In-Hospital Sleep Disturbance in Advanced NSCLC

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will evaluate whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve in-hospital sleep quality in adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and clinically significant in-hospital sleep disturbance. A total of 160 participants with unresectable stage IIIB-IIIC or stage IV NSCLC, or recurrent NSCLC not suitable for curative local treatment, will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to active rTMS or matched sham stimulation. Active rTMS will target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and will be delivered once daily for 10 sessions completed within 10-14 days. The primary outcome is sleep quality measured using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire during the nights following stimulation sessions 8, 9, and 10. The study will also evaluate wearable-device sleep measures, insomnia symptoms, pain and symptom burden, psychological symptoms, quality of life, safety, feasibility, and changes in brain activity measured by 64-channel electroencephalography.

Chaihushugan Decoction and Wen Dan Tang for Insomnia

This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating sleep disorders, specifically chronic insomnia. While conventional TCM treatments often rely heavily on subjective patient feedback, this clinical trial incorporates objective diagnostic tools, including Digital Polysomnography (PSG) and actigraphy, to gather data-driven sleep quality metrics. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Chaihushugan Decoction or Wen Dan Tang for an 8-week treatment period. Subjective improvements will be tracked using standardized clinical questionnaires such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The findings from this trial will help clarify the scientific basis and treatment pathways of these two classic herbal formulations for sleep management.

Efficacy and Accuracy of an AI-Driven Sleep Earbud for Chronic Insomnia

This study evaluates a new smart sleep earbud designed to help adults suffering from chronic insomnia. The device uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track a user's real-time heart rate and movement through the ear canal, automatically adjusting soothing music parameters to help the user fall asleep faster and achieve deeper sleep. Participants will spend three consecutive nights in a hospital sleep laboratory. The first night serves as a baseline screening using medical-grade sleep tracking (polysomnography) to rule out other hidden sleep conditions like sleep apnea. On the second and third nights, participants will test two different audio options in a randomized order: the AI-driven adaptive music and standard, non-adjusting music. Researchers will compare the earbud's internal sensor data against the hospital's clinical equipment to verify the earbud's tracking accuracy, and participants will complete brief touch-screen brain function tests each morning. Following the lab phase, participants will continue using the earbuds in their natural home environment for two weeks before a final check-up. The goal is to determine if personalized, AI-adjusted sound therapy can effectively treat insomnia symptoms and if a consumer ear-worn device can monitor sleep architecture as accurately as a clinical hospital system.

Exploration on the Relationship Between Distinct Sarcopenia, Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution, and Circadian Rhythm Patterns of Older Adults and Impact of Acupoint-stimulated Interventions

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and impact of digital/remote courses combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupoint-stimulated interventions, health education, and exercise on sarcopenia and sleep disturbances across distinct age groups. By integrating multidisciplinary expertise encompassing TCM, geriatric medicine, geriatric health, community medicine, and epidemiology at Ministry of Health and Welfare Tainan Hospital, this project aims to explore the correlations among sarcopenia, sleep conditions, and TCM body constitution, while evaluating the feasibility of incorporating the simplified Body Constitution Questionnaire (BCQ) into anti-frailty screenings to establish an evidence-based, TCM-integrated intervention model. A total of at least 360 participants will be recruited at Ministry of Health and Welfare Tainan Hospital across two distinct operational phases. In the first phase, a comprehensive cross-sectional assessment will be conducted on 300 older adults aged 65 and above to establish a geriatric TCM body constitution database, utilizing 7-day actigraphy, scientific tongue and pulse diagnosis, the BCQ, and standard geriatric functional assessment scales (including SARC-F, Fried frailty index, ADL, IADL, WHOQOL-BREF, EQ-5D, mini nutritional assessment, ISI, PSQI, and ECOG score), with eligible and consenting participants referred for overnight polysomnography (PSG) based on physician assessment. In the second phase, longitudinal interventional trials will be executed with 180 participants divided into three specific cohorts. The sarcopenia cohort, comprising 60 older adults aged 65 and above, will undergo a 3-month intervention combining acupoint massage and the Vivifrail exercise program, with data evaluated at baseline, month 1, and month 3, followed by a final tracking period extending to month 4. The geriatric sleep disturbance cohort (60 older adults aged 65 and above) and the adult sleep disturbance cohort (60 younger adults aged 20-64), all presenting with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 5 or higher, will participate in a 2-week curriculum consisting of sleep-related self-acupoint massage and sleep hygiene education, with clinical follow-ups scheduled at baseline, week 2, and week 6, a final tracking assessment at week 7, and intervention compliance monitoring conducted at week 3.

Multimodal Sleep Promotion in Surgical ICU Patients

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Critical illness, environmental factors, and routine clinical care frequently result in fragmented sleep, reduced sleep quality, and disruption of normal circadian rhythms. Previous studies have shown that poor sleep in ICU patients may be associated with delirium, impaired recovery, decreased functional outcomes, and lower patient satisfaction. Environmental factors such as noise generated by alarms and medical equipment, continuous light exposure, frequent nursing interventions, pain, anxiety, and discomfort related to invasive devices have been identified as major contributors to sleep disruption in critically ill patients. Several non-pharmacological interventions, including earplugs, eye masks, environmental modifications, and nursing care bundles, have demonstrated potential benefits in improving sleep quality. However, most studies have focused on isolated interventions, and evidence regarding comprehensive multimodal approaches remains limited. This two-center non-randomized controlled pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal sleep promotion intervention in adult postoperative ICU patients. The intervention combines individualized sleep hygiene education, provision of earplugs and eye masks, environmental measures to reduce nighttime noise and light exposure, and reorganization of nursing care activities to minimize unnecessary sleep interruptions. Patients admitted to the intervention ICU will receive the multimodal sleep promotion program, while patients admitted to the control ICU will receive usual care. The primary objective is to assess the effect of the intervention on patient-reported sleep quality. Secondary objectives include evaluating patient experience during ICU stay and exploring the relationship between sleep outcomes and selected demographic and clinical variables. The findings of this pilot study will provide preliminary evidence regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of multimodal sleep promotion strategies in adult ICU settings and may support the development of future larger-scale studies.

Acupressure for Agitation, Pain, and Sleep in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

Mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients commonly experience agitation, pain, and sleep disturbances, which may negatively affect recovery and increase the need for sedative medications. Non-pharmacological interventions such as acupressure have been proposed as potential supportive strategies for symptom management in critically ill patients. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a repeated acupressure program on agitation, pain, and sleep in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an acupressure intervention group or a control group receiving light touch at the same acupoints. The intervention was administered twice daily for four consecutive days. Agitation, pain, and sleep outcomes will be assessed using both subjective and objective measurements, including wearable device-based monitoring. The study also aims to explore the cumulative effects of repeated acupressure intervention during ICU hospitalization.

Holy Qur'an Versus Music Sound on Sleep Quality in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of listening to Holy Qur'an recitation compared with music sound on sleep quality among children aged 6 to 10 years undergoing chemotherapy. Sleep disturbances are common in pediatric oncology patients and may negatively affect recovery, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions such as auditory therapy may help improve sleep without medication-related side effects. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Holy Qur'an listening group or a music sound listening group. Each intervention will be applied during bedtime over a specified period. Sleep quality will be assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and optional sleep diary data. The study hypothesizes that children who listen to Holy Qur'an recitation will demonstrate greater improvement in sleep quality compared to those who listen to music sound. The findings may provide evidence for safe, culturally appropriate, and non-pharmacological interventions to enhance sleep quality in children undergoing chemotherapy.

Structured Combined Exercise Program in Postmenopausal Women: Effects on Heart Rate Variability and Menopausal Symptoms

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a structured combined exercise program can improve heart health, menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life in postmenopausal women aged 45 to 65 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the exercise program improve heart rate variability, which shows how well the heart is controlled by the nervous system? Does the exercise program lower menopausal symptoms? Does the exercise program improve sleep quality and quality of life? Researchers will compare women who join the exercise program with women who continue their usual daily activities. Participants in the exercise group will take part in a supervised exercise program for 12 weeks. They will exercise 2 days each week. Each session will last 45 minutes and will include warm-up, balance, strengthening, coordination, flexibility, and cool-down exercises. Participants in the control group will continue their usual daily activities during the study.

Biomarkers of Increased Free Living Sleep Time

This protocol will increase sleep duration in participants who maintain less than 6 hours sleep per night, to target the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. The focus of this study is determine how increasing nightly sleep duration in these individuals who maintain less than 6 hours sleep per night changes their plasma metabolome and insulin sensitivity. The primary outcome will examine changes in branched-chain amino acids and the secondary outcome will examine changes in insulin sensitivity. The investigators will also determine if changes in plasma metabolites can be used as a biomarker to discriminate between adequate versus insufficient sleep.

The Effectiveness of Lavender Aromatherapy Combined With Slow Breathing Exercises in Improving Occupational Burnout and Sleep Disorders Among Nursing Staff

This study investigates the effects of breathing exercises combined with lavender essential oil inhalation on occupational burnout and sleep disturbances in rotating shift nurses.

Effect of L. Reuteri LM1063 on Sleep Health Improvement

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Limosilactobacillus reuteri LM1063 on improving sleep health in healthy adults. Based on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study aims to scientifically analyze whether the supplementation of this specific probiotic strain can enhance sleep quality. Methodology: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial. A total of 80 participants (40 in the test group and 40 in the control group) will be enrolled. Participants in the test group will consume 500 mg of L. reuteri LM1063 (1.0 x 10\^10 CFU/day) once daily for 8 weeks, while the control group will receive a placebo. Key Evaluations: To assess sleep improvement, various parameters will be measured before and after the 8-week intake period: * Primary Outcomes: Polysomnography (PSG) measures including sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and delta power; and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). * Secondary Outcomes: Various sleep and stress-related scales (SSS, ESS, PSS, RSQ-W, FSS) and blood biomarkers such as melatonin, GABA, and serotonin levels. * Safety: Monitored through adverse events, vital signs, and clinical laboratory tests.

Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Health Among Health Science Academicians at Istanbul Aydin University

This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and posture, sleep quality, depression, and musculoskeletal system problems among academic staff working in the health sciences field at Istanbul Aydın University. Modern technological developments and sedentary work patterns have significantly reduced daily physical activity levels. Academic personnel often spend long hours sitting, preparing lectures, conducting research, and using computers, which may negatively affect posture and increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Reduced physical activity has also been associated with poor sleep quality and increased depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study will include academic staff aged 23-65 years working in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Participation will be voluntary. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic information form and validated assessment tools, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), New York Posture Rating Chart, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The primary objective is to evaluate whether physical activity levels are associated with posture, sleep quality, depression levels, and musculoskeletal complaints. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of preventive strategies aimed at improving occupational health, well-being, and quality of life among academic personnel.

Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Hot Flashes and Sleep Quality in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Menopause is a natural transition characterized by vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances, which can significantly impair quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly recommended for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a structured behavioral intervention that has shown beneficial effects on stress-related symptoms and sleep quality; however, evidence regarding its effects on menopausal symptoms remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week MBSR program on hot flash frequency and severity and sleep quality in menopausal women. A total of 90 menopausal women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the MBSR program or a control group receiving no intervention. Participants in the intervention group will attend weekly sessions and engage in mindfulness practices, including breathing awareness, body scan, and stress management techniques. Primary outcomes include changes in hot flash frequency and severity and sleep quality, assessed using validated self-report measures. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based, non-pharmacological management strategies for menopausal symptoms.

Enhanced Ward Rounds and Communication for Pre-procedural Anxiety in GI Endoscopy Patients

This study tests a new way to help reduce anxiety in hospitalized patients waiting for therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures, like EMR or ESD. Anxiety before these procedures is common and can make preparation harder, increase medication needs, and affect recovery. We compare standard ward checks (twice a day) to enhanced checks (four times a day) with structured talks and simple relaxation exercises. The goal is to see if the enhanced approach lowers anxiety levels, measured by a standard scale called the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), from baseline to 24 hours before the procedure. Who can join? Adults (18+) scheduled for inpatient GI endoscopy with at least 2 days hospital stay and mild anxiety. Exclusions include emergencies or severe mental health issues. The study is done in hospital wards, with groups assigned by ward periods to keep it real-world. Benefits may include less anxiety and better experience; risks are low as it's just more supportive talks. Participation is voluntary with informed consent. Results could improve hospital care routines.

Sleep Disorders in Hypothalamic and Pituitary Damage

Hypothalamus has a key role in multiple vital functions, including regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Oxytocin (OT), a neurohormone synthetized in the hypothalamus, has a wide range of physiological functions, including a putative role in improving sleep quality. Hypothalamic and pituitary damage (HPD) is associated with a clinically relevant OT deficient state and multiple and severe comorbidities including poor sleep quality, that have a well-known negative impact on general health and quality of life (QoL). Several factors may coexist in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders (SD) in HPD and SD might be a keystone in the persistence of some of the comorbidities observed in HPD. Therefore, appropriate identification and understanding of the mechanisms contributing to SD in HPD is mandatory to choose adequate preventive strategies and treatment. This project is aimed to (1) identify the prevalence of SD in HPD, (2) to determine OT role in sleep quality and (3) to identify potential mechanisms and mediators of sleep quality and their associations with clinical outcomes in patients with HPD with the ultimate goal of identifying preventive and therapeutic targets. We will use a controlled cross-sectional design of patients with HPD and sex-, BMI-, age- matched controls and an innovative cross-disciplinary approach bridging neuroendocrinology, psychology, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, nuclear medicine and neuroophthalmology disciplines to learn about the prevalence of SD in HPD and to disentangle the underpinning mechanisms behind SDs in HPD. The results of this project will be an extremely important step towards optimizing therapy for patients with HPD who have higher mortality and poor QoL despite appropriate hormone replacement therapy.

Clinical Study of Perioperative Sleep Disorders in Cardiac Surgery

The aim of this clinical trial is to understand the effects of dexmedetomidine and esketamine on postoperative sleep in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does dexmedetomidine or esketamine prevent the development of postoperative sleep disturbances? Which one works better? The researchers compared dexmedetomidine and esketamine with saline (a drug-free solvent) to see if dexmedetomidine and esketamine prevented the development of postoperative sleep disturbances. Participants will: 1. Intraoperative continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine, esketamine or saline until the end of surgery 2. Postoperative sleep was assessed on the first and third postoperative days using a sleep rating scale

Evaluating the Effects of Tasimelteon Vs. Placebo in Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and the CRY1Δ11 Variant

This is a double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose of tasimelteon and matching placebo in male and female subjects with DSWPD and the CRY1Δ11 variant.