Increased Sleep Duration for Sleep Deprivation
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
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.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, participants must stop taking prescription medications and supplements at least one month before the study and cannot use them during the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Increased sleep duration for sleep deprivation?
Research shows that after sleep deprivation, longer sleep opportunities help improve alertness and performance. For example, after moderate sleep deprivation, a 9-hour sleep period helped people return to normal alertness and performance levels, while shorter sleep periods did not fully restore these functions.12345
Is increased sleep duration generally safe for humans?
How does increased sleep duration differ from other treatments for sleep deprivation?
Increased sleep duration is unique because it focuses on extending the amount of sleep to address sleep deprivation, unlike other treatments that often involve sleep restriction to improve sleep quality. This approach is based on the idea that many people are chronically sleep deprived and could benefit from simply getting more sleep, although the benefits to daytime alertness may be minor.1112131415
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-35 with a BMI of 18.5-24.9, who sleep less than 6 hours per night and have lived at high altitudes like Denver's for over 3 months. It excludes those with unstable medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, significant sleep disorders, recent medication use or need during the study, drug users including nicotine and herbal products within a month prior to the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants sleep in the lab for one night based on their habitual insufficient sleep schedule. Plasma is collected for metabolomics analyses and an oral glucose tolerance test is conducted.
Increased Sleep Duration Intervention
Participants undergo a 4-week intervention to increase sleep duration to the recommended 7 hours per night.
Post-Intervention Assessment
Participants sleep in the lab for one night on their new sleep schedule. Plasma is collected for metabolomics analyses and an oral glucose tolerance test is conducted.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in plasma metabolites and insulin sensitivity after the intervention.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Increased sleep duration (Behavioral Intervention)