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Recruiting NCT03840083

NCT03840083 Sleep-dependent Learning in Aging

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT03840083
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Condition Sleep
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 584 participants
Start Date 2018-07-15
Primary Completion 2025-07-14

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 80 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Sleep

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 584 participants in total. It began in 2018-07-15 with a primary completion date of 2025-07-14.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The specific objective of this proposed research is to understand whether deficits in sleep-dependent memory changes reflect age-related changes in sleep, memory, or both. The central hypothesis is that changes in both memory and sleep contribute to age-related changes in sleep-dependent memory processing. To this end, the investigators will investigate changes in learning following intervals of sleep (overnight and nap) and wake in young and older adults.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 yrs * Healthy sleeper * No diagnosed sleep or neurodegenerative disorder Exclusion Criteria: 1. Past diagnosis of any sleep disorder or evidence of a sleep disorder as assessed by self-reported sleep quality assessments, a standardized diagnostic interview, and an acclimation night of polysomnography. Using acclimation-night polysomnography, participants will be excluded with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index \>15; a Period-Limb Movement in Sleep index of \>15/hr; sleep-onset latency \> 45 min (indicative of insomnia); or sleep efficiency \< 80% (see Edinger et al., Sleep, 2004). In cases in which questions arise regarding a participants' inclusion or sleep records, a practicing neurologist board-certified in sleep medicine will review the documentation. 2. Past diagnosis neurological illness or head injury 3. Reported average sleep per night \< 5 or \> 9 hrs 4. Current employment involving shift work or an inability to keep a regular sleep schedule during the week prior to testing 5. Current use of psychotropic, recreational drugs, or sleep-altering medications (sleep medications, cold medicines within the past week, clonidine, sympathomimetic stimulants) 6. Daily caffeine intake of \> 4 cups (coffee, tea, colas) 7. Weekly alcohol intake of \> 10 cups 8. Pregnancy or \< 12 months post-partum 9. History of bipolar disorder, mania, or current evidence of depression as measured by Beck Depression Inventory score \> 25 10. Abnormal sleep (e.g., shift work, travel across \>2 time zones within the past 3 months). 11. Diagnosis of any Axis I disorder, neurological illness or head injury (according to Demographic and Health History form); 12. Score indicative of cognitive dysfunction (subtest scores \< 40) 13. Beck Depression Scale score indicative of depression (\> 19). Additionally, individuals will be excluded from magnetic resonance imaging studies (Exps 1, 4) for: 1. Left handed or ambidextrous 2. Claustrophobia 3. Presence of metal (thoroughly screened via questionnaire and metal detector) 4. Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT03840083 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Sleep. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT03840083 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT03840083 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact University of Massachusetts, Amherst to inquire about joining.

Where is the NCT03840083 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Amherst, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT03840083 clinical trial?

NCT03840083 is sponsored by University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The trial plans to enroll 584 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: April 2026  ·  Data Methodology