Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Changes in Sleep Efficiency Among PIC DU MIDI Staff Between Nights Spent at Home and Nights Spent in the Workplace Under High Altitude Conditions

Sleep organization and cardiorespiratory parameters are disrupted in extreme conditions such as high altitude. The pathophysiology of medical problems related to acute high-altitude exposure is partially understood, but sleep quality indicators are very rarely measured under these conditions. This lack of information is even more pronounced among employees subjected to cyclical exposure to high-altitude hypoxic stress, as is the case for the employees at the Pic du Midi. These 32 employees regularly report to their occupational physician difficulties in managing their sleep disorders, struggling to distinguish symptoms from objective changes in their sleep cycles. Among them, 13 are on call at the summit of the Pic du Midi (2,877 m), while 19 work there during the day and return home to a lower altitude at night to sleep. The investigators also wish to measure structural changes in sleep and its cardiorespiratory parameters using polysomnography in these 13 employees, comparing nights spent at home at normal altitude with those spent at the summit of the Pic du Midi. These changes will also be compared to those of a group of 19 employees who do not sleep at high altitude..

Exploring the Efficacy of a Breathing Training Intervention in Patients With Emotionally Regulated Sleep Disorders

In recent years, the incidence of sleep disorders, especially insomnia, has been rising. Insomnia can directly lead to damage to patients' daytime functions, such as daytime sleepiness, inattention, etc., affecting people's normal work and life. Insomnia is related to dysfunction of multiple systems such as the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, endocrine systems, digestion and breathing, and plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of chronic diseases. Therefore, insomnia has become an increasingly serious medical and social problem. At the same time, with the development of society, the incidence of mental illness is gradually increasing. Emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression can greatly affect the quality of life and even seriously endanger people's health and life safety. Insomnia is closely related to mood disorders. Insomnia not only increases the patient's risk of depression, but also increases the risk of suicide in young patients. In addition, mood disorders are also closely related to insomnia. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression will also increase the incidence of insomnia. There are also studies showing that the quality of life of patients with severe depression is related to insomnia. The impact of emotional state on sleep is multidimensional. Meneo summarized various mechanisms by which emotions affect sleep, such as dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, as well as factors such as cognitive behavior. Among these mechanisms, functional imbalance of the autonomic nervous system is considered to be a core link. The autonomic nervous system is mainly composed of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. On the one hand, under conditions of emotional stress or anxiety, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is enhanced, leading to physiological reactions such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, thereby increasing alertness and reducing the tendency to sleep. On the other hand, during sleep, the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system is enhanced, especially reflected by increasing the high-frequency component of heart rate variability, which contributes to the improvement of sleep depth and quality. Although the relationship between mood and sleep disorders has been widely recognized, current research on its underlying mechanisms is still limited, and it is difficult to develop effective intervention strategies based on this. As an emerging biological monitoring method, heart-brain co-testing can simultaneously monitor and analyze the activities of the brain and heart, interpret the connection of heart-brain axis functions from a new perspective, help elucidate related physiological activities, provide evidence for determining the mechanism of the impact of emotions on sleep disorders, and improve the accuracy of diagnosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment. The mind-brain testing method plays a vital role in revealing the complex connection between emotions and sleep disorders. It is expected to improve our research on the mechanisms of emotion and sleep disorders, find new ways to intervene, and thereby improve the public's physical and mental health.

Effects of Telerehabilitation-Based Dual-Task Exercises on Balance, Fall Risk, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality in Geriatric Individuals

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dual-task exercises-which simultaneously target cognitive and motor functions-delivered via telerehabilitation on fall risk, balance, cognitive functions, and sleep quality in geriatric individuals.Aging is often associated with balance disorders, increased fall risk, cognitive decline, and impaired sleep quality, all of which significantly impact the quality of life in the elderly. Dual-task interventions require individuals to perform physical and cognitive tasks concurrently, aiming to improve sensorimotor control and enhance balance strategies under cognitive load.This study utilizes telerehabilitation as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to facilitate access to healthcare services, providing a remote alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation. The research aims to demonstrate that dual-task exercises performed through telerehabilitation can contribute to functional recovery, reduce the fear of falling, and increase the safe mobility capacity of geriatric individuals.

Start CPAP Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias. Catheter ablation is an effective therapeutic strategy; however, recurrence rates remain substantial, ranging from 20% to 45%. Previous studies have established a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the risk of AF recurrence following ablation. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard intervention for OSA, and some observational studies suggest it may reduce post-ablation recurrence in patients with comorbid OSA, small randomized controlled trials have failed to confirm a clear benefit, potentially due to poor adherence. This study aims to evaluate the clinical benefit of post-ablation CPAP therapy in AF patients with comorbid OSA. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either the CPAP group or the usual care group. * If in the CPAP group, use a CPAP device for 12 months. * Wear an ambulatory ECG recorder at least once a week to monitor their heart rhythm. * Complete follow-up checkups either at the clinic or over the phone at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after their procedure.

Assessment of the Association Between Sleep Disorders Detected by a Simplified Questionnaire and Cardiovascular Diseases

The goal of this observational study is to validate a simplified questionnaire, adapted for routine clinical use, to quickly detect sleep disorders in patient during a cardiology consultation. Two questionnaires were developed for this project. The first is patient-oriented: a prospective, multicentre, national observational registry based on a patient questionnaire designed to quickly detect sleep disorders during a cardiology consultation. The second is aimed at treating cardiologists: this is a simple impact survey designed to assess changes in the practices of cardiologists who participated in CARDIOSOM.

Sleep Hygiene Education to Improve Sleep in Chronic Migraine and Back Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether sleep hygiene education can improve sleep quality and reduce pain in adults with migraine and/or chronic lower back pain. Poor sleep is common in people with chronic pain and may worsen symptoms. Improving sleep may help break this cycle. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Does a four-week sleep hygiene education program improve sleep quality? 2. Does improved sleep lead to reduced pain intensity and changes in pain sensitivity? This study does not include a comparison group. Each participant serves as their own comparison by completing the same tests before and after the sleep hygiene program. Participants will: * Attend two study visits lasting 30-60 minutes, one at the beginning and one after four weeks * Complete questionnaires about sleep, pain, mood, and quality of life at both visits * Undergo pain sensitivity testing using light pinprick stimulations on the forearm * Receive individual sleep hygiene education and written materials to use at home for four weeks * Complete a short weekly online check-in about sleep habits and pain * Complete a three-month follow-up questionnaire about sleep habits, sleep quality, and pain

Turkish Adaptation of a Sleep Screening Tool for Pediatric Complex Chronic Conditions

This study aims to adapt the Sleep Screening Scale for Children and Adolescents with Complex Chronic Conditions (SCAC) into Turkish and test its reliability and validity for this population. Children and adolescents with complex chronic conditions (CCC) often have ongoing and multiple health problems. These children often face a high risk of sleep problems, but there are no screening tools in Turkish designed specifically for them. The main goal is to confirm that the Turkish version of the SCAC is accurate and reliable. The study will also look at how common different types of sleep problems are in children with CCC, and how these problems are related to factors such as diagnosis, age, sex, and other medical conditions. Another goal is to compare children's sleep at home with their sleep during a stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The study will also examine how environmental factors (such as light and noise) and medical factors (such as pain, medications, and devices) affect sleep in the hospital. After discharge, sleep recovery will be followed for up to 3 months using sleep diaries and actigraphy (a wearable device that measures movement during sleep).

The Effect of Avnace eZZe on Sleep Improvement

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Avance eZZe drink with liposomal technology in improving sleep quality. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the placebo group, Avance eZZe drink group, and Avance eZZe drink without liposomal group, with 25 participants in each group. On the day of the experiment (day 0), participants are required to fill out questionnaires assessing sleep disorders and stress condition, and use a sleep monitoring system to track their sleep and autonomic nervous system conditions. Subsequently, participants will be given the experimental samples and instructed to consume them 1 hour before sleep daily for 28 days. Follow-up assessments will be conducted in the day-1, day-14 and day-28, participants are required to fill out questionnaires assessing sleep disorders and stress condition, and use a sleep monitoring system to track their sleep and autonomic nervous system conditions.

Effect Of Sleeping Posture Guidance On Sleep Quality In Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

This study investigates sleep quality in patients with Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) undergoing physical therapy treatment. Existing literature presents a gap regarding longitudinal studies evaluating the impact of physical therapy and different sleeping positions on sleep quality within this specific population. The central hypothesis is that physical therapy, combined with guidance on the best sleeping positions, reduces pain, improves shoulder function, and consequently promotes an improvement in sleep quality for RCS patients over time. The justification for this research lies in the need to better understand the relationship between physical therapy and sleep quality in RCS patients, aiming for the development of more effective and less invasive interventions. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic pain, a common symptom of RCS, is intrinsically linked to sleep disturbances, which can lead to deleterious effects such as dopamine reduction, alterations in the descending pain modulation system, and central sensitization. Improvements in sleep quality have been observed after surgical procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy and arthroplasty, often associated with improved function and pain reduction. Thus, this study seeks to longitudinally evaluate whether physical therapy is capable of promoting a sustained improvement in sleep quality for patients with RCS

Sleep and Stress Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if natural supplements (lavender oil, PEA, and OEA) work to improve sleep and reduce stress in adults with moderate stress levels and sleep difficulties. It will also learn about the safety of these natural supplements. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do these supplements improve sleep quality? * Do they reduce perceived stress levels? * Do they reduce anxiety symptoms? * What medical problems do participants have when taking these supplements? Researchers will compare three active treatment groups (lavender oil, PEA, Trpti which contains OEA) to a placebo (a look-alike capsule that contains no active ingredients) to see if these natural supplements work to improve sleep and reduce stress. Participants will take 1 capsule (either active supplement or placebo) every day for 8 weeks and attend 2 clinic visits with a phone check in in between.

Pilot Study of Negative Pressure Neck Therapy (NPNT)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious, chronic sleep-related breathing disease in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to intermittent oxygen deprivation. This pilot study will evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Negative Pressure Neck Therapy (NPNT) in up to 10 healthy participants. Participants will undergo 2 separate home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) approximately 1 week apart and will be randomly assigned to wear the NPNT device at either night 1 or night 2 of HSAT. Participation will include 5 on-site visits and 1 phone call over approximately 1 month.

INSIGHT: Insomnia, Nightmares, and Sympathetic Hyperactivity Intervention

The INSIGHT study is a multi-site clinical research program designed to examine how insomnia and symptoms of sympathetic hyperactivity impair sleep, cognition, and physiological restoration in warfighters, and to evaluate whether a wearable therapeutic device can improve these outcomes. Warfighters with a history of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or chronic operational stress commonly report disrupted sleep accompanied by manifestations of nocturnal sympathetic activation such as diaphoresis, palpitations, hyperarousal, and nightmares. These symptoms erode sleep quality, reduce cognitive performance, and undermine psychological resilience and operational readiness. Insomnia is two to three times more common in military populations than in civilians, and both TBI and PTSD independently elevate the risk for dysregulated autonomic tone. Excessive sympathetic activity during REM sleep disrupts the normally quiescent locus coeruleus state required for adaptive emotional processing and may contribute to the genesis of nightmares. Excessive sympathetic tone may also interfere with deep NREM-dependent glymphatic clearance, a recently discovered mechanism that supports cognitive restoration and metabolic waste removal. Yet, no study has comprehensively linked these physiological processes in warfighters or evaluated whether wearable-derived autonomic measures can meaningfully stratify insomnia phenotypes. The INSIGHT protocol addresses this gap through a two-phase design integrating multimodal biomarker collection, wearable technology validation, advanced imaging, and a randomized controlled intervention. Phase 1 enrolls 250 participants (50 healthy controls and 200 poor sleepers with or without PTSD and TBI) who undergo structured screening, cognitive testing, and detailed baseline assessments before completing a 2-week at-home data collection period. During this period, participants wear a suite of devices, including EEG headbands, ECG patches, PPG-based sensors, accelerometry rings, blood pressure devices, temperature sensors, and smartwatches, to capture autonomic activity, sleep architecture, cardiovascular and respiratory variability, movement, sudomotor activity, and circadian body temperature patterns. Ecological momentary assessments administered three times daily track fluctuations in sleep quality, mood, PTSD symptoms, and daytime functioning, while urine samples collected on the final three days allow for biochemical analysis of hormonal and sympathetic biomarkers. After the at-home period, all participants complete an overnight in-lab polysomnogram combined with fNIRS to measure sleep stages, autonomic dynamics, cerebral hemodynamics, and glymphatic signatures. A subset of participants also completes an optional overnight MRI with simultaneous EEG following controlled sleep deprivation, enabling state-of-the-art imaging of human glymphatic activity using the MAGNUS MRI platform. This optional visit provides unprecedented insight into how TBI, PTSD, and insomnia alter the physiology of sleep-dependent brain fluid dynamics. In Phase 2, all poor sleepers enter a double-blind, sham-controlled, 30-day randomized trial testing the therapeutic potential of the NightWare smartwatch. NightWare detects sympathetic surges during sleep through heart rate elevations and movement patterns and delivers brief haptic vibrations aimed at interrupting escalating autonomic arousal. Although originally cleared for nightmare treatment, its mechanism is well suited for SNH-related insomnia more broadly. Participants use the device daily while continuing EMA surveys, wearable monitoring, and cognitive assessments, generating rich physiological and behavioral data throughout the intervention. The primary goal is to determine whether reducing nocturnal sympathetic spikes leads to measurable improvements in sleep quality, autonomic stability, daytime functioning, and symptom burden. In parallel, Phase 2 data enable development of the Multi-Organ Autonomic Index of Sleep, an integrated biomarker model that combines neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and dermal signals to predict treatment response and classify insomnia subtypes. The INSIGHT study will produce the most comprehensive dataset to date linking autonomic physiology, glymphatic function, sleep architecture, wearable-derived biomarkers, cognition, and clinical outcomes in warfighters. By identifying physiological signatures of sympathetic hyperarousal and determining whether a non-pharmacological wearable intervention can meaningfully improve sleep, INSIGHT directly supports Department of Defense priorities to enhance readiness, resilience, and long-term neurological health in service members. Wearable tools capable of monitoring and improving sleep outside the laboratory have the potential to transform both clinical care and operational performance, offering scalable and accessible approaches to restoring sleep and optimizing recovery.

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block and Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Sleep Quality After Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

This study aims to design a prospective, randomized, controlled, dual-center, non-inferiority trial to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided sympathetic ganglion block (SGB) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on sleep quality following radical mastectomy for breast cancer. The objective is to explore whether non-invasive neuromodulation for sleep is non-inferior to invasive neuromodulation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SGB or taVNS treatment. Sleep quality will be assessed using an actigraphy device and sleep scales within four days post-surgery, and the incidence of sleep disturbances will be followed up within 30 days post-surgery.

Peroneal Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Pregnancy for Restless Legs Syndrome

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether peroneal electrical nerve stimulation (PNS) using the TOMAC™ device is a feasible, acceptable, and safe non-pharmacologic intervention for managing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy. This pilot study will also collect preliminary information on symptom relief, sleep quality, and maternal-fetal safety associated with device use. The main questions the study aims to answer are: Is TOMAC™ PNS a feasible and acceptable intervention for RLS in pregnant individuals? Are there any maternal, fetal, or neonatal safety concerns with PNS use during pregnancy? What are the patterns of adherence, tolerance, and usability of the TOMAC™ device in this population? Participants will: Use a non-invasive TOMAC™ peroneal nerve stimulator during 30-minute sessions as needed, for 8 weeks. Complete questionnaires assessing feasibility, acceptability, symptom severity, and sleep quality (including AIM, IAM, FIM, IRLS, PGI-I, PSQI, ESS, FOSQ, and MOS-II). Wear an actigraphy monitor to collect objective sleep data at baseline and at 4 weeks. Attend scheduled follow-up visits and phone check-ins for maternal vital signs, uterine contraction and fetal monitoring, and neonatal outcome assessment. This is a prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot study enrolling 15 pregnant participants between 21 and 26 weeks' gestation. Findings will provide the first dataset on the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of TOMAC™ PNS in pregnancy and inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial.

Sleep Promoting Properties of a Botanical Extract in a Population Complaining From Non-Restorative Sleep (NRS)

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of the Botanical Extract in improving sleep symptoms of nonrestorative sleep (NRS) in healthy adults. The main question it aims to answer is • Does the Botanical Extract improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of nonrestorative sleep (NRS)? Researchers will compare the Botanical Extract to a placebo to see if it works. Participants will: * Take one of 3 doses of the Botanical Extract (125 mg/day, 250mg/day ,500mg/day) or a placebo every day for 8 weeks. * Visit the clinic four times for checkups and tests and receive three follow-up phone calls.

"Sleep Patterns and EEG Structure in Youth With Autism: Links With Behavior and Parental Stress"

This retrospective observational study is designed to investigate sleep patterns, as well as both the macrostructure and microstructure of sleep, in a large cohort of children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study will utilize data derived from overnight polysomnographic recordings, providing objective and comprehensive measures of sleep architecture. The sample consists of 187 patients, aged between 3 and 16 years, whose sleep data were collected over a ten-year period, from 2003 to 2013. In addition to polysomnographic parameters, the study will incorporate a wide range of behavioral and parental stress-related variables. These will be assessed using validated, standardized instruments, including the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Parenting Stress Index - Short Form (PSI-SF). By integrating objective sleep data with behavioral and psychosocial measures, this study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the nature and extent of sleep disturbances in individuals with ASD. Particular attention will be paid to identifying potential correlations between specific sleep alterations (e.g., changes in sleep efficiency, REM latency, arousals, or cyclic alternating patterns) and behavioral symptoms or parental stress profiles. Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to the development of more precise and individualized diagnostic frameworks, as well as inform evidence-based therapeutic strategies. These insights could be of considerable clinical relevance, given the high prevalence of sleep disorders in the ASD population and their significant impact on daytime functioning, emotional regulation, and family quality of life.

The Correlation Between Sleep Quality and Sleep Aid Use and Dietary Patterns

In this study, medical staff in emergency and critical care departments were investigated. It was assumed that the use of sleep aids and dietary patterns affected their sleep quality. The structural equation model was used to analyze the status of sleep quality of medical staff in emergency and critical care departments, and to explore the effects of sleep aids and dietary patterns on sleep quality and its mechanism. ( 1 ) Is the overall sleep quality of medical staff in emergency and critical departments poor ( 2 ) Do medical staff with poor sleep quality in acute and critical departments use sleep aids more frequently ( 3 ) Is there a correlation between sleep quality and certain dietary patterns among medical staff in emergency and critical care departments ( 4 ) Are there significant differences in dietary choices among medical staff in emergency and critical departments using sleep aids

Wearable Technology in the Detection and Evaluation of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

This project is an observational study that aims to evaluate the accuracy of wearable devices in detecting potential sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in individuals visiting the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders and Home Ventilation Unit. The main goal of the study is to determine if wearable devices, like sleep and activity-tracking wristbands and watches, can effectively supplement the detection of these disorders. The study will analyze various variables related to sleep quality and quantity. Participants will be asked to wear a Xiaomi Mi Band 8 device during an overnight hospital polygraphy test, which will be conducted for one day in their usual daily environment. Additionally, at the beginning of their participation, they will need to complete a questionnaire collecting information about sociodemographic variables, daily habits, routines, and their assessment using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. After completing the polygraphy test and using the Xiaomi device, participants will be required to answer another questionnaire addressing aspects related to their sleep quality and habits during this period.

Sleep Disorders in Specific Learning Disabilities

Specific learning disorders, or SLD, are cognitive and behavioral conditions that emerge during childhood and involve significant difficulties in acquiring and performing specific intellectual, motor, language, and social functions. These disorders impact personal, social, academic, and professional functioning throughout life. In France, between 6% and 8% of the population, including both children and adults, are affected by at least one type of SLD. SLD are also frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with prevalence rates ranging from 33% to 70%, depending on the study. This comorbidity leads to more severe attention and learning difficulties than when ADHD or SLD occur independently. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive attentional processes, with or without hyperactivity. It is estimated to affect approximately 5.3% of children and adolescents worldwide and about 3% of adults. The assessment of these disorders is conducted through a neuropsychological evaluation, which determines the type and severity of cognitive impairments. Several studies report that 55% to 74% of children with ADHD experience sleep difficulties. To date, only two studies have examined the prevalence of sleep disorders among children with SLD disorders. One of these studies focused exclusively on dyslexia, with or without ADHD. The results revealed significantly higher scores among dyslexic children compared to controls when completing sleep disorder assessment questionnaires (SDSC). The main difficulties were related to "sleep onset and maintenance disorders," "sleep-related breathing disorders," and "wakefulness disorders." The second study, using the same questionnaire, compared children with ADHD, SLD disorders, and both combined. The group with co-existing SLD and ADHD disorders exhibited significantly more sleep disturbances than the other groups, primarily sleep onset and maintenance disorders. Despite the importance of these studies, they focused only on sleep disorders associated with dyslexia, without considering other learning disorders such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. Furthermore, when ADHD was taken into account, the studies did not differentiate between its various forms, limiting the interpretation of the results. Additionally, no research has tracked the evolution of sleep disorders in the SLD +/- ADHD population from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate sleep disorders in the SLD population (with or without ADHD) in France through online questionnaires. These questionnaires will be offered to 1,000 children (aged ≥4 years) and adults diagnosed with at least one specific learning disorder. Primary Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the frequency and nature of sleep disorders in patients (both adults and children) with specific learning disorders, with or without ADHD. Secondary Objectives: * Characterize the "SLD" patient population in France by considering age and gender: o Determine the prevalence of co-morbidities, such as: ADHD Anxiety and depressive disorders Other reported medical conditions * Assess the types of care provided (medication or other) for both children and adults * Determine the frequency of SLD in a familial context * Identify whether the following factors are associated with a higher frequency of sleep disorders: * Single SLD vs. multiple SLD * The presence of ADHD, anxiety-depressive disorders, or other medical conditions alongside SLD * Demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.) * Family history of SLD among relatives (parents and siblings) * Medication use