Clinical Research Directory

The Effects of Yoga on Pregnant Women

It is thought that a yoga intervention administered to pregnant women will reduce stress levels, enhance sexual quality of life, and positively affect sleep habits. According to the power analysis results, the study must include at least 70 pregnant women (35 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group). Data will be collected through a Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQLQ-F), and a Sleep Habits Form. In this study, the yoga practice will be administered to the pregnant women in the experimental group by the researcher.

Impact of Lifestyle on Health Maintenance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the impact of public health interventions on changes in healthy lifestyle habits over time and their subsequent effects on health outcomes. The investigators hypothesize that exposing at-risk populations to structured physical activity programs, education on healthy nutrition, promotion of the Mediterranean diet, and workshops focused on strengthening psychological resilience will lead to improvements in anthropometric, oxidative, metabolic, and psychological parameters. Anthropometric and laboratory measures will be collected at multiple time points throughout the study. The longitudinal follow-up will span 12 months. It is anticipated that sustained adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors will result in positive lifestyle changes and enhanced health-related quality of life.

Impact of Relaxation Sessions Using a Virtual Reality Application on the Sleep Quality of Caregivers Working Night Shifts

This project aims to evaluate the impact of relaxation sessions conducted using a virtual reality device on the sleep quality of night-shift healthcare workers. The intervention specifically targets the immediate post-night-shift period, a critical time for recovery, by offering immersive guided relaxation experiences designed to reduce anxiety and promote both mental and physiological relaxation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multimodal Therapy in Treating Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Cancer

This randomized phase II trial studies how well cognitive behavioral therapy and multimodal therapy works in treating sleep disturbance in patients with cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help reduce sleep disturbances, fatigue, and insomnia as well as improve the well-being and quality of life of patients with cancer when given together with methylphenidate hydrochloride, therapeutic melatonin, and light therapy.

Relationship Between Selected Parameters and Bruxism

Bruxism is a common phenomenon. It is estimated that its prevalence in the adult population is 8-31%. Bruxism occurring during sleep is the activity of the masticatory muscles that appear during sleep, which can be rhythmic or phased and is not a movement disorder or sleep disorder in healthy people. It is currently believed that bruxism should not be considered a disorder. In healthy people, it is treated rather as behavior, which may be a risk factor for pathological clinical implications or a protective factor in the presence of other disease entities. The most common symptoms of bruxism include: pathological wear and tooth sensitivity, periodontal and oral mucosa damage, myalgia in the stomatognathic system, headache and prosthetic restoration damage. However, due to nocturnal occurrence, bruxism symptoms may go unnoticed for a long time, which means that patients are often unaware of this behavior. The etiology of bruxism is multifactorial and not fully understood. It is currently believed that it can be caused by genetic, psychological and exogenous factors. Due to the unclear etiology of bruxism, it is so important to conduct research that allows making a certain diagnosis and finding the causes of this phenomenon

Evaluation of Urolithin A and Fisetin on Improving Sleep and Aging Biomarkers

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of Urolithin A (UA) and Fisetin on improving sleep and aging biomarkers in middle-aged and older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can UA and Fisetin improve sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults? Do these substances have a positive effect on aging biomarkers, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging-related proteins? Researchers will compare four groups: Placebo group (a look-alike substance that contains no drug), 500 mg UA group, 500 mg Fisetin group and 300 mg UA + 200 mg Fisetin group. Participants will: Take the assigned capsules daily after breakfast for 12 weeks. Attend three clinic visits (baseline \[Week 0\], mid-intervention \[Week 4\], and post-intervention \[Week 12\]) including blood tests, sleep quality assessments (PSQI scale, actigraphy, polysomnography), and analysis of aging biomarkers (DNA methylation, inflammatory cytokines, etc.). Keep a sleep diary, complete a dietary survey, assess mental health, and measure frailty indicators. Provide stool and urine samples at baseline and post-intervention for gut microbiome and metabolite analysis. This trial aims to provide scientific evidence for the development of new nutritional intervention strategies to improve the healthy aging.

SleepUp Digital CBTi-based Platform for Insomnia

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is a well-established therapeutic intervention for insomnia. SleepUp provides a digital therapeutics platform based on CBTi and additional features. This clinical trial aims at analyzing the efficacy of the CBTi-based platform offered by SleepUp in reducing symptoms of insomnia and will be conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 The sample will be composed of 160 individuals, both males and females, from 20 to 60 years old, with insomnia symptoms considered as at least mild. Those who accept to participate will be randomized and distributed in four groups: * Standard CBTi (CBTi-S): This treatment consists of an eight-week treatment composed by weekly and structure appointments with board-certified sleep psychologists. The appointments will be made remotely (video calls with psychologists). * Minimal intervention - Sleep hygiene (MI-SH): This group will receive an educational program on sleep hygiene through the SleepUp app. Its content covers topics that are also covered in the online CBTi sessions. This procedure is more adequate as a control than the commonly used no treatment or waiting list controls, due to the behavioral * Online CBTI (CBTI-O): This group will receive access to an eight-weeks CBTi-based treatment through the SleepUp app. The participants of this group will receive interventions equivalent to the standard in-person CBTi, but provided through a digital platform. * Online CBTi + additional features (CBTi-O+): This group will have access to the complete premium version of SleepUp platform. It includes those presented in the CBTi-O group and other therapeutic and complementary features (including meditation audios and videos, mindfulness therapy, relaxation soundtracks, sleep hygiene tips, virtual assistant, and telehealth. All participants in all groups will be assessed periodically throughout the eight weeks of intervention with standard sleep questionnaires and sleep logs. Equivalent intervals will be applied to the MI-SH group. Phase 2 This phase will comprise 120 individuals, both males and females, from 20 to 60 years old, with insomnia symptoms considered as at least mild. Those who accept to participate will be randomized and distributed in three groups: * Minimal intervention - Sleep hygiene (MI-SH): This group will receive an educational program on sleep hygiene through the SleepUp app. Its content covers topics that are also covered in the online CBTi sessions. This procedure is more adequate as a control than the commonly used no treatment or waiting list controls, due to the behavioral * Online CBTI (CBTI-O): This group will receive access to an eight-weeks CBTi-based treatment through the SleepUp app. The participants of this group will receive interventions equivalent to the standard in-person CBTi, but provided through a digital platform. * Online CBTi + additional features (CBTi-O+): This group will have access to the complete premium version of SleepUp platform. It includes those presented in the CBTi-O group and other therapeutic and complementary features (including meditation audios and videos, mindfulness therapy, relaxation soundtracks, sleep hygiene tips, virtual assistant, and telehealth. All participants in all groups will be assessed periodically throughout the eight weeks of intervention with standard sleep questionnaires and sleep logs. Equivalent intervals will be applied to the MI-SH group.

A Randomized Double-Blind Active-Controlled Crossover Trial of Respiratory-Gated Versus Non-Gated Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of different modes and frequencies of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: Which mode and frequency of taVNS is most effective in improving motor or non-motor symptoms? Are there any side effects or safety concerns with different taVNS frequencies? Researchers will compare three types of taVNS: 25 Hz non-expiratory gated, 25 Hz expiratory gated, and 100 Hz expiratory gated stimulation. Participants will: Receive each type of taVNS in three 2-week cycles, with 2-month breaks between cycles Undergo neuropsychological assessments, imaging, eye-tracking, and biological sample collection before and after each cycle.

Relieving Pain and Improving Sleep: Evaluating Topical Pain Relief and Sleep Patches

This minimal risk, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study with functional measurements, will evaluate pain relief and sleep improvement after use of a drug- free, non-invasive patch (FREEDOM or REM Patch; The Super Patch Company Inc.); using validated scales and functional measurement tools along with crossover and control groups within the same subject group not receiving an 'active' patch.

Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents - Sleep Behavioral Intervention

Sleep plays a crucial role in energy balance, alongside diet and physical activity. Research has linked poor sleep quality and short sleep duration to obesity and cardiometabolic risk, such as insulin resistance and hypertension. The nature of this association is complex, and several mechanims have been suggested. Scientific evidence suggests that sleep interventions may provide additional benefits in optimizing the effectiveness of overweight/obesity treatment in pediatric populations. Although some studies have explored this hypothesis, methodological heterogeneity hampers clear interpretation of the results. The main goal of this clinical trial is is to evaluate the efficacy of a sleep behavioral intervention, combined with standard obesity treatment, in reducing adiposity (measured by BMI z-score, fat mass percentage, or fat-free mass index) in adolescents with overweight or obesity. This randomized controlled trial will compare a control group receiving treatment as usual (or standard obesity treatment) with an intervention group receiving treatment as usual plus a sleep behavioral intervention. Participants will be randomized into two groups: intervention and control. Throughout the study period, all medical consultations will include standard interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity/sedentary behavior, and other lifestyle factors. The sleep-focused intervention will be delivered by psychologists. Participants will attend clinic visits every two months during the 6-month intervention period, and every three months during the subsequent 6-month follow-up period.

NIA_Improving Function and Well-being by Improving Patient Memory: Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Treatment

Mental illness is often chronic, severe, and difficult to treat. Though there has been significant progress towards establishing effective and efficient interventions for psychological health problems, many individuals do not gain lasting benefits from these treatments. The Memory Support Intervention (MSI) was developed utilizing existing findings from the cognitive science literature to improve treatment outcomes. In this study, the investigators aim to conduct an open trial that includes individuals 50 years and older to assess if a novel version of the Memory Support Intervention improves sleep and circadian functioning, reduces functional impairment, and improves patient memory for treatment.

Pilot Study of BCAA on Sleep

Individuals will be recruited from the VA Portland Health Care System and the community affiliated with Oregon Health \& Science University. Traumatic brain injury status will be assessed as a contributing factor. Subjects will be randomized to one of 3 groups (BCAA or one of 2 placebo conditions) and instructed to consume study product twice daily for 21 days. Self-report questionnaires, wrist actigraphy, pressure pain testing, and cognitive function will be assessed pre and post the experimental period.

Comparative Effectiveness of Myofacial Release vs Cupping Therapy on Quality of Life in Restless Leg Syndrome With Knee O.A.

The aim of this study is to determine effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Cupping Therapy on Quality of Life in Restless Leg Syndrome with knee Osteoarthritis. Holding this aim, a Randomized control trial will be conducted at physiotherapy out patient department of Dow Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The subjects will first be screened by the principal investigator, physiotherapist, using the criteria of International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Each selected subject will go for random allocation in one of the two treatment groups with different interventions with the help of a computer-generated randomization sheet. The group A will be provided with myofacial release whereas the group B will receive cupping therapy while cryotherapy and passive lower limb stretches (hamstring and calf muscles) will be applied to both the groups as standard treatment. Assessment will be done at baseline and will re-evaluate at the post intervention session through an assessment form. Physical therapist but not the principal investigator will assess who will be unaware to the type of intervention administered. Outcome measures will be Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment, Restless leg syndrome Quality of life questionnaire (RLS-QOL), International Restless leg syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSSG RS) and passive straight leg raise (PSLR). Total 12 sessions will be given for duration of 4weeks on alternate days.

Targeted Intervention on Sleep Disorders During Tobacco or Cannabis Cessation Therapy

During a cessation therapy for tobacco or cannabis, sleep disorders are one of the main risk factors of relapse, and a symptom of substance withdrawing. In this study, we make the hypothesis that identifying and managing potential sleep disorders during cessation treatment may contribute to maintain tobacco / cannabis abstinence on the long-term. To evaluate the impact of such intervention, we will conduct a randomised pilot study among patients consulting at two addiction prevention and care centres, for smoking or cannabis use cessation treatment. Control group will benefit of usual care (a multidisciplinary care with individual and group therapies); intervention group will benefit in addition of a systematic screening of sleep disorders, and in case of a diagnosed alteration, they will be addressed to the Chronos centre, for specific care to help them manage and reduce the consequences of their sleep disorders. Participants will be followed over a 6-month period, with visits at 1 and 3 months, to monitor smoking or cannabis cessation, and other criteria associated with their substance use or sleep.

Evaluation of e New Sleep Detection Device "Easy Sleep Monitoring"

If the video-polysomnographic (vPSG) recording in the laboratory remains the reference examination in Sleep Medicine Centers for the diagnosis of sleep pathologies, the high prevalence of sleep disorders in the general population and the growing demand for exploration and management may require the use of alternative techniques such as new sleep recording or analysis devices. In collaboration with the Creative Mechatronics Company (Issoire) and the Ennery Confection Company (Le Puy en Velay), we have developed a "portable" sleep detection prototype called Easy Sleep Monitoring (ESM) which consists of an "intelligent" duvet equipped with a series of sensors capable of detecting movements and, through this, estimating sleep duration and quantifying motor phenomena during sleep. Indeed, it is a duvet which has in its thickness a grid of 35 electronic cards, equipped with an actimetric sensor and a temperature sensor. The distribution of the sensors makes it possible to detect the motor activity of the sleeper on all the body regions by considerably increasing the sensitivity and specificity compared to actimetry at the wrist. The advantage of this duvet compared to other "wearable" devices is represented by its ease of use, being less restrictive, having a reduced implementation time and not requiring the user's collaboration. For example, it could be used for sleep monitoring in the elderly and/or in a situation of hypomobility in the context of Residential establishment for dependent elderly people or hospitals. At home, it could be a sleep monitoring tool, such as monitoring treatment for insomnia, medicinal or not, or to monitor motor activity during sleep, as in the monitoring of nocturnal akinesia in parkinsonian patients. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the concordance of sleep data obtained with the ESM duvet with those obtained by video-polysomnography (vPSG). Indeed, the vPSG is the gold standard examination in the study of sleep, the only one capable of exactly defining the different stages of sleep and precisely quantifying sleep disorders.

Halitosis, Sleep and Mental Health in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

This study aims to evaluate psychological distress, sleep quality, and halitosis in obese patients during the preoperative period of bariatric surgery. A total of 110 adults will be assessed using validated questionnaires and a portable halitosis detector. The results may contribute to improving strategies for comprehensive care in this population.

Study of Disrupted Sleep in Somali Americans

The aims of this study are to determine the types and severity of previously undiagnosed sleep deficiencies in otherwise healthy Somali Americans, apply a research framework to define psychosocial, behavioral, environmental, and biological mechanisms mediating sleep deficiencies in Somali Americans, and examine the relationship between sleep deficiencies and increased blood pressure in Somali Americans.

Multidimensional Evaluation of Patients' Affected by Obstructive Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) Before and After Ventilotherapy

This observational study aims to evaluate multiple dimensions of health in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), before and after three weeks of ventilotherapy. Specifically, the study aims to identify pre- vs post-treatment differences in the following domains: * cognitive performance * blood expression of biomarkers related to neurodegeneration * psychosocial wellbeing Thus, patients will complete the following evaluations before (T0) and after (T1) ventilotherapy: * neuropsychological standard assessment * blood sampling * psychosocial self-reported questionnaires

Baker Gordon Syndrome Natural History Study

The goal of this study is to conduct a prospective, longitudinal assessment of the natural clinical progression of children and adults with Synaptotagmin1-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder also known as Baker Gordon Syndrome (BAGOS). This will be performed by acquiring baseline measurements and developing effective outcome measures and diagnostic tools for the disorder, to prepare the healthcare system for future clinical trials.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate the WP in Comparison to PSG in Patients Suspected of Sleep Disorders

The current study is a prospective blinded study to collect data regarding the performance of the WP device in detecting sleep disorders. For that purpose, the WP with finger probe and chest sensor will be worn by the subject simultaneous to PSG in a sleep study at the clinical sleep lab. A PSG system will be recording the PSG data.

The Role of Circadian Factors in Regulation of Neuroplasticity in Ischemic Stroke (Observational)

The study is aimed at the investigation of the association of biomarkers of circadian rhythms with sleep characteristics and stroke outcome in acute stroke patients. It is designed as an observational cohort study with the retrospective and prospective longitudinal arms.

TRANslating Sleep Health Into QUaLity of Recovery (TRANQUiL) Study

This is a novel observational study with the overarching aim of evaluating the association between poor sleep health and poor quality of recovery in a surgical setting. It hopes to assess and optimize the perioperative sleep health of patients so significant improvements in their quality of recovery and health outcomes may be achieved.

SHADES Mechanistic Trial

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common, deadly, and costly, and adults with insomnia represent a large group of people at elevated risk of developing CVD in the future. This clinical trial will determine if our updated insomnia treatment, called the SHADES intervention, improves CVD factors thought to explain how insomnia promotes CVD and if these improvements are due to positive changes in sleep factors. A total of 200 primary care patients with insomnia and CVD risk factors will be randomized to 6 months of the SHADES intervention (internet, telephonic, and/or face-to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) or the active control condition (sleep education/hygiene, symptom monitoring, and primary care for insomnia). Before and after treatment, participants will complete measurements of the CVD factors (systemic inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, proinflammatory gene expression) and the sleep factors (insomnia symptoms, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency). Researchers will test whether the SHADES intervention produces greater improvements in the CVD factors than the active control condition.

Therapeutic Writing for Adults Suffering From Chronic Pain and Comorbid Mental Health Disorders

The goal of this observational study is to understand the effects and experiences of therapeutic writing interventions in adult women with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health conditions. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can therapeutic writing help relieve chronic pain and emotional distress? How does writing support emotional processing, regulation, and meaning-making during rehabilitation? Participants will take part in a two-part writing intervention involving: Guided writing exercises that focus on emotional processing, emotion regulation, and creating meaning. Individual interviews after the writing sessions to explore their experiences. The study uses qualitative analysis methods-phenomenology and logotherapy-to better understand how these writing interventions may support recovery, improve well-being, and offer non-pharmacological tools for managing chronic pain and mental health challenges.