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The Role of the LC-NA System in Experimental Sleep Fragmentation
Sponsor: Hans-Peter Landolt
Summary
Sleep-wake regulation affects every person's life, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood. In particular, the microstructure of sleep has not been sufficiently studied to explain how sleep produces a feeling of restoration the following morning. Stress also plays a significant role in sleep regulation. This study aims to investigate the role of norepinephrine in these processes.
Official title: Phase I, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Role of the LC-NA System in Experimental Sleep Fragmentation With Buccal Dexmedetomidine.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
42
Start Date
2026-01-05
Completion Date
2026-10-01
Last Updated
2025-12-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
DMTN
Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that reduces the release of norepinephrine by inhibiting activity in the locus coeruleus, a key brain region involved in arousal and stress responses. In this study, dexmedetomidine will be administered as an oro-dispersible tablet applied buccally, allowing for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.
Auditory Stimulation
Auditory tones will be presented throughout the night at individually calibrated intensities, adjusted to each participant's hearing threshold, in order to induce controlled sleep fragmentation without full awakenings.
Placbo
Oro-dispersible placebo tablet identical in appearance and packaging to the active Dexmedetomidine tablet.
Locations (1)
University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Zurich, Switzerland