Sleep DeprivationNCT07822009
The Neurocognitive Effects of Total and Partial Sleep Deprivation in Younger Adults.
A study testing Total sleep deprivation, Partial sleep deprivation and Normal sleep in people with Sleep Deprivation, run by Örebro University, Sweden at 1 site in Sweden.
Trial summary
This study aims to examine how total and partial sleep deprivation affect brain function, cognitive performance, and biomarkers related to stress and inflammation in the same participants using a crossover design. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sleep Deprivation
- What is being tested?
- Total sleep deprivation, Partial sleep deprivation and Normal sleep
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSweden
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Jun 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Signed informed consent prior to any study-related procedures.
- Age 20 to 40 years.
- Normal weight at screening, defined as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Willingness to comply with the study protocol.
Who cannot join
- Current diagnosis of a psychiatric or neurological disorder or syndrome.
- Current diagnosis of another medical condition that limits study participation.
- Diagnosed sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia).
- Self-reported poor sleep quality (>5 on the PSQI).
- Working permanent night shifts or rotating night shifts.
- Use of medications or dietary supplements considered likely to affect the study outcome measures (e.g., melatonin).
Show all 14Show fewer
- Extremely high perceived stress (>26 on the PSS).
- Sleep apnea.
- Excessive alcohol consumption (>9 standard drinks per week or >3 standard drinks per occasion).
- Extreme morningness or eveningness (>69 or <31 on the MEQ).
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (>10 on the ESS).
- Lifestyle factors that may contribute to fragmented sleep (e.g., being a parent of young children).
- MRI contraindications: claustrophobia; shunts in the head; bullet fragments or metal fragments in the body; metal implants or electrodes in the body; left-handedness; previous head surgery; previous heart surgery; or ingestion of a video capsule that may remain in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes participation inappropriate.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Sweden1 site
Örebro university
Örebro, Örebro County, 70182
Pernilla Andersson, 019 30 30 00, naps@oru.se
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Total and Partial Sleep Deprivation on Brain Function and Cognitive Functioning In Healthy, Younger Adults.
This study aims to examine how total and partial sleep deprivation affect brain function, cognitive performance, and biomarkers related to stress and inflammation in the same participants using a crossover design. The study will also compare the effects of total and partial sleep deprivation to determine whether these conditions affect the brain and body differently. The findings may improve our understanding of the consequences of sleep deprivation and help inform strategies to reduce its negative impact on health and society.
- How does total versus partial sleep deprivation affect brain activity during rest and cognitive tasks?
- How does sleep deprivation affect functional connectivity between brain networks?
- How does sleep deprivation affect working memory, attention, and executive control?
- How does sleep deprivation affect biomarkers of stress and inflammation, such as cortisol?
- Are changes in brain activity and connectivity associated with changes in cognitive performance and biological markers?
- Can combining MRI-based and non-MRI-based measures provide a more complete picture of the effects of sleep deprivation?
Read more
Participants will complete three study conditions in a randomized order:
Total Sleep Deprivation (TSD): 28 to 32 hours of continuous wakefulness. Partial Sleep Deprivation (PSD): sleep restricted to 4 hours per night for two consecutive nights.
Normal Sleep (control condition): a night of habitual sleep without sleep restriction.
- Conditions
- Sleep Deprivation
- Being tested
- Total sleep deprivation, Partial sleep deprivation, Normal sleep
- Medical subject headings
- Sleep Deprivation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Total sleep deprivationBehavioural
No sleep for 28-32 hours.
Partial sleep deprivationBehavioural
Restriction to 4 hours sleep/night for two consecutive nights.
Normal sleepBehavioural
Normal (7-9 hours) sleep, following normal patterns of wakeup and sleep onset.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Normal sleep | Other | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Normal sleep |
| Total Sleep Deprivation | Other | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Total sleep deprivation |
| Partial Sleep Deprivation | Other | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Partial sleep deprivation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Brain functional activity and connectivity (PVT)
Compare normal sleep to SD (total and partial)
Measured: 3 weeks
Secondary outcomes (24)
Brain functional activity and connectivity (PVT) - SD
Compare total sleep deprivation and partial sleep deprivation.
Measured: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (NBACK)
Measured: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (MST)
Measured: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (SST)
Measured: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (EMOREG)
Measured: 3 weeks
Resting state fMRI
Total SD vs Partial SD
Measured: 3 weeks
Structural MRI
Total SD vs. Partial SD
Measured: 3 weeks
Diffusion tensor imaging
Total SD vs Partial SD
Measured: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (NBACK)
Measured: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (MST)
Measured: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (SST)
Measured: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (EMOREG)
Measured: 3 weeks
Levels of inflammatory markers (e.g. high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha)
Measured: 3 weeks
Levels of neural function markers (e.g. brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Measured: 3 weeks
Salivary biomarkers (e.g., melatonin and cortisol)
Measured: 3 weeks
Electrophysiological measures (e.g., ECG)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of subjective sleepiness using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of sleep quality and sleep disturbances using the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire (KSQ)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
Measured: 3 weeks
Assessment of chronotype (morningness-eveningness preference) using the Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ)
Measured: 1
Assessment of sleep-related positive and negative affect using the Negative and Positive Affect Scale for Sleep (NAP-AS)
Measured: 3 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Sep 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionJun 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sleep DeprivationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Örebro University, Sweden
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Robert Brummer, Örebro University, Sweden
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07822009
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Dnr: 2026-03064-01
- Other IDs
- 20230004-H-01
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Total and Partial Sleep Deprivation on Brain Function and Cognitive Functioning In Healthy, Younger Adults.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07822009
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Dnr: 2026-03064-01
- Conditions
- Sleep Deprivation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Örebro University, SwedenUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jun 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 16 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to examine how total and partial sleep deprivation affect brain function, cognitive performance, and biomarkers related to stress and inflammation in the same participants using a crossover design. The study will also compare the effects of total and partial sleep deprivation to determine whether these conditions affect the brain and body differently. The findings may improve our understanding of the consequences of sleep deprivation and help inform strategies to reduce its negative impact on health and society.
- How does total versus partial sleep deprivation affect brain activity during rest and cognitive tasks?
- How does sleep deprivation affect functional connectivity between brain networks?
- How does sleep deprivation affect working memory, attention, and executive control?
- How does sleep deprivation affect biomarkers of stress and inflammation, such as cortisol?
- Are changes in brain activity and connectivity associated with changes in cognitive performance and biological markers?
- Can combining MRI-based and non-MRI-based measures provide a more complete picture of the effects of sleep deprivation?
Participants will complete three study conditions in a randomized order:
Total Sleep Deprivation (TSD): 28 to 32 hours of continuous wakefulness. Partial Sleep Deprivation (PSD): sleep restricted to 4 hours per night for two consecutive nights.
Normal Sleep (control condition): a night of habitual sleep without sleep restriction.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Normal sleep | Other | Behavioral: Normal sleep |
| Total Sleep Deprivation | Other | Behavioral: Total sleep deprivation |
| Partial Sleep Deprivation | Other | Behavioral: Partial sleep deprivation |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Signed informed consent prior to any study-related procedures.
- Age 20 to 40 years.
- Normal weight at screening, defined as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Willingness to comply with the study protocol.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Current diagnosis of a psychiatric or neurological disorder or syndrome.
- Current diagnosis of another medical condition that limits study participation.
- Diagnosed sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia).
- Self-reported poor sleep quality (>5 on the PSQI).
- Working permanent night shifts or rotating night shifts.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Total sleep deprivationNo sleep for 28-32 hours. | Behavioural | Total Sleep Deprivation |
| Partial sleep deprivationRestriction to 4 hours sleep/night for two consecutive nights. | Behavioural | Partial Sleep Deprivation |
| Normal sleepNormal (7-9 hours) sleep, following normal patterns of wakeup and sleep onset. | Behavioural | Normal sleep |
Primary outcome
Brain functional activity and connectivity (PVT)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Compare normal sleep to SD (total and partial)
24 secondary outcomes
Brain functional activity and connectivity (PVT) - SD
Time frame: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (NBACK)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (MST)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (SST)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Brain functional activity and connectivity (EMOREG)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Resting state fMRI
Time frame: 3 weeks
Structural MRI
Time frame: 3 weeks
Diffusion tensor imaging
Time frame: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (NBACK)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (MST)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (SST)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Cognitive function (EMOREG)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Levels of inflammatory markers (e.g. high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Levels of neural function markers (e.g. brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Salivary biomarkers (e.g., melatonin and cortisol)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Electrophysiological measures (e.g., ECG)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of psychological health using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of subjective sleepiness using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of sleep quality and sleep disturbances using the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire (KSQ)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Assessment of chronotype (morningness-eveningness preference) using the Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ)
Time frame: 1
Assessment of sleep-related positive and negative affect using the Negative and Positive Affect Scale for Sleep (NAP-AS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Sleep Deprivation
Recruiting
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Intervention in ICU
ICU Hospitalization, Circadian Rhythm
Not yet recruiting
Evolution of Sleep in Intensive Care Unit Patients
ICU, Sleep Deprivation
Recruiting
Effect of Sleep Extension in Prevention to Sleep Deprivation
Healthy
Active, not recruiting
The Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Recovery Sleep on Emotional Memory and Affective Reactivity
Sleep Deprivation, Sleep
Recruiting
Mind After Midnight
Suicidal Ideation, Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Total sleep deprivation, Partial sleep deprivation and Normal sleep in people with Sleep Deprivation, run by Örebro University, Sweden at 1 site in Sweden.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Sweden. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Brain functional activity and connectivity (PVT) (time frame: 3 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Sep 2026.