Evaluating the Effects of tDCS on Sleep and Cognition in Healthy Older Adults

Launched by NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY · Apr 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve sleep and thinking skills in healthy older adults aged 60 and above. Researchers want to find out if a short session of tDCS before a nap can help improve sleep quality during that nap and whether better sleep can lead to better memory and attention afterward. They are also interested in whether having two sessions of tDCS is more effective than just one.

To participate in the trial, you should be over 60 years old, speak fluent English, and be in good cognitive health with a regular sleep pattern. During the study, which lasts four days, you will complete memory and thinking tasks on a computer, receive either active or fake brain stimulation, take a monitored nap, and wear a device to track your sleep and movement. You’ll also keep a simple diary of your sleep habits. By taking part, you can help researchers learn more about improving sleep and brain health, which may lead to better treatments for sleep problems and a reduced risk of dementia as we age.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 60+ years
• • Speak fluent English
• • Be cognitively healthy
• • A self-reported good sleeper, with a regular sleep pattern
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The presence of any major physical or psychiatric illness or comorbidities
• • Self-reported neurodegenerative dementia or other neurological disorders
• • Self-reported relevant sleep disorders or disturbances
• • Those with irregular sleep schedules (i.e. night shift workers)
• • A PSQI score above 5 (as this is associated with significant sleep disturbance)
• • Relevant skin allergies
• • Taking medication that affects the central nervous system or sleep, or consume caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes excessively
• • Metallic or electronic implants