Vascular Function and Oxidative Stress in Emergency Medical Responders
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to characterize blood vessel function and oxidative stress (a harmful condition that damages cells and tissues) in emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does an overnight shift work in emergency medical technicians reduce blood vessel function and increase oxidative stress? 2. Can supplementing with antioxidants help reduce the negative effects of night shift work in emergency medical technicians? Researchers will compare antioxidants to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if antioxidants work in reducing the negative effects of night shift work in emergency medical technicians. Participants will: 1\. Report to the lab two separate times following an overnight shift to assess blood vessel functioning and oxidative stress 3. Take an antioxidant supplement or placebo during each night of shift work.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index between 18.5 and \<35 kg/m² * Seated resting systolic blood pressure \< 140 mmHg, and seated resting diastolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg * Participant must be an active first responder that works shift work schedules. e.g., emergency medical responders, basic life support emergency medical technicians (i.e., BLS EMT), advanced life support emergency medical technicians (A-EMT), and paramedics * Participant must have been working shift work for at least 1 year * Participant must work at least 4 night shifts per month Exclusion Criteria: * Participant is unwilling or unable to give consent * Participant has been diagnosed with any chronic disease (a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease) * Participant has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea) * Participant is currently taking melatonin or other sleep aids (e.g., Ambien, sedatives, etc.), or any supplements/m