Noradrenergic Dysregulation, Sleep and Cognition in Older Adults With Insomnia
Eligible age
55+ yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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About this study
This study investigates the relationship between the noradrenergic (NA) system, sleep quality, and cognitive function in older adults with insomnia - a population at elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD) - compared to age and sex matched controls with normal sleep. The study characterizes NA function through multiple approaches: measuring 24-hour plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and its brain metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG); evaluating central NA system response using the clonidine suppression test (a presynaptic α2 adrenoreceptor agonist that reduces locus coeruleus NA activity; and employing pupillometry as a non-invasive marker of autonomic function. To explore NA function's mechanistic role in insomnia, the study uses an intervention with bright light exposure to enhance daytime NA activity, with the goal of improving both sleep quality and cognitive performance.
Sponsor: Northwestern University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 1. Age ≥ 55 years;
- ✓ 2. Independent in activities of daily living and without clinically significant cognitive impairment as determined by a mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score ≥ 26;
- ✓ 3. Due to the effect of reproductive hormones on autonomic regulation, sleep and cognition, women will be postmenopausal;
- ✓ 4. time spent in bed not greater than 8.5 hours;
- ✓ 5. Sedentary, defined as participation in exercise of moderate intensity for less than 30 minutes per day and less than two times per week on a regular basis.
- ✓ 6. average daily light exposure indicative of indoor environments (from questionnaire).
- ✓ 1. Meet criteria for chronic insomnia disorder according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (3rd Ed.);
- ✓ 2. Subjective sleep efficiency less than 85% and/or awakening earlier than desired if before 6 AM for ≥3 nights/week in the previous 4 weeks;
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 1. Sleep disorders other than insomnia (restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, REM behavior disorder, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, sleep apnea by STOP questionnaire and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 by home sleep apnea test;
- ✕ 2. habitual bedtime before 9pm or morning awakening before 5am;
- ✕ 3. History of neurological disorders;
- ✕ 4. History of psychiatric disorders;
- ✕ 5. A Beck depression inventory ((BDI-II) score greater than 19);
- ✕ 6. Unstable or serious medical conditions;
- ✕ 7. Prediabetes and diabetes (HbA1C ≥ 5.7)
- ✕ 8. Current, or use within the past month, of psychoactive, hypnotic, stimulant or analgesic medications (except occasionally);
Where it's recruiting
Chicago
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06694441 · last updated 2026-03-30