Investigation of the Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Itch and Pain Sensitivity

Launched by AALBORG UNIVERSITY · Oct 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how lack of sleep affects our sensitivity to itch and pain. Researchers want to understand the differences and similarities between how we feel itchiness and pain when we don’t get enough sleep. They will also look at certain markers in the blood to see if sleep deprivation causes inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury or irritation. Additionally, the study will explore how feelings of anxiety and depression, assessed through questionnaires, might relate to itch and pain sensitivity and how these feelings are influenced by sleep.

To participate in this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged 18 to 60 who speaks and understands English and has access to a smartphone. However, you cannot take part if you are pregnant, have a history of certain medical conditions, use specific medications, or have skin issues in the test area. If you choose to participate, you can expect to undergo a series of assessments related to itch and pain while monitoring your sleep patterns. Your involvement could help shed light on important connections between sleep, itch, pain, and emotional health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy men and women
• • 18-60 years
• • Speak and understand English
• • Access to a smartphone during the experimental nights
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy or lactation
• • Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other drugs
• • Previous or current history of neurological, dermatological, immunological musculoskeletal, cardiac disorder or mental illnesses (psychiatric diagnosis) that may affect the results (e.g., neuropathy, muscular pain in the upper extremities, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia etc.)
• • Moles, wounds, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested
• • Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines and pain killers.
• • Skin diseases
• • Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
• • Acute or chronic pain and itch
• • Participation in other trials within 1 week of study entry (4 weeks in the case of pharmaceutical studies)
• • Lack of ability to cooperate