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Noradrenergic Dysregulation, Sleep and Cognition in Older Adults with Insomnia
NCT06694441 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
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.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- OTHER Placebo
- OTHER Light Exposure
Study Locations (1)
Illinois
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine — Chicago
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 60 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-09-30 |
| Est. Completion | 2029-08-31 |
| Phase | NA |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT06694441
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT06694441 describes a study currently listed as recruiting. It is categorized as NA, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 60 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is Northwestern University, which has 1,033 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 1 condition, with Insomnia appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 2 interventions — of which Placebo is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT06694441 reports 1 study location spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include Illinois. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT06694441 about?
NCT06694441 is a clinical study titled "Noradrenergic Dysregulation, Sleep and Cognition in Older Adults with Insomnia". 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...
What is the current status of trial NCT06694441?
This trial is currently recruiting. It is a NA study. The enrollment target is 60 participants. The study started on 2024-09-30. Estimated completion is 2029-08-31.
What conditions does trial NCT06694441 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Insomnia. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT06694441?
The interventions under investigation include: Placebo (OTHER), Light Exposure (OTHER). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT06694441?
This trial is sponsored by Northwestern University, which has 1,033 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT06694441 being conducted?
This trial has 1 study location across Illinois. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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