The Iowa ACEs and Sleep Cohort and Manipulating Sleep in Young Adults With ACEs Studies

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Vascular Dilatation, Sleep, Sleep Disturbance, Psychosocial Stressor, Psychological Trauma, Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress

In brief

The overall purpose of this study is to understand the role of disrupted sleep in the association of exposure to early life adversity (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)) with vascular endothelial (dys)function. In Aim 1 (The Iowa ACEs and Sleep Cohort Study), the investigators will utilize a cross-sectional cohort design with a state-of-the-art translational approach. Participants will be recruited to objectively characterize the degree to which lower sleep quality and quantity contribute to ACEs-related endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in young adults using: 1. rigorous at home sleep monitoring using 7-nights of wrist actigraphy and 2 nights of home-based polysomnography to objectively measure sleep quality (sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep depth), and total sleep duration, 2. in vivo assessment of endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation testing, and 3. in vitro determination of endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress from biopsied endothelial cells. This study to achieve this Aim. In Aim 2, approximately 70 eligible participants from Aim 1 (The Iowa ACEs and Sleep Cohort Study) will then be randomized to either a 6-week behavioral sleep intervention (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) or a wait-list control to determine the mechanistic contribution of sleep disruption to vascular dysfunction in young adults with moderate-to-high exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Following the intervention, participants will again complete: 1. rigorous at home sleep monitoring using 7-nights of wrist actigraphy and 2 nights of home-based polysomnography to objectively measure sleep quality (sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep depth), and total sleep duration, 2. in vivo assessment of endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation testing, and 3. in vitro determination of endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress from biopsied endothelial cells.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06454344
Run by: Nathaniel Jenkins
People needed: 70
Starts: 2024-05-01
Expected to finish: 2028-10-31
Last updated by the study team: 2025-12-11

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 29. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

18-29 years of age
SBP <129 and DBP <90 mmHg
Body Mass Index > 18.5 kg/m2 and <35 kg/m2
Willing to complete in-home sleep studies

You may not qualify if…

Currently undergoing treatment for a sleep disorder or diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, hypersomnia, parasomnia or narcolepsy, or obstructive sleep apnea
Currently performing overnight shift work
Lifetime history of any psychiatric disorder with psychotic features or bipolar disorder, currently undergoing treatment for substance-induced mood disorder
Endorsed suicidal ideation as indicated by a Moderate or High risk determination on the Columbia Suicide Risk Protocol
Diagnosed neurological disorder or illness affecting the central nervous system
Diagnosed acute or chronic autoimmune disease or chronic inflammatory condition
Current or previous cancer diagnosis
History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
Current or previous history of CBT-I treatment or sleep restriction or cognitive restructuring therapy for sleep
History of cardiometabolic disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus), pulmonary disease, or renal disease
Current or recent (within past month) use of anti-hypertensive (including clonidine), lipid lowering, glucose- controlling, or prescription anti-inflammatory medications
Current or recent (within past month) opiates, benzodiazepine or benzodiazepine receptor agonists, or trazodone
Recent changes to or unstable treatment (changes within last 6 mo.) with prescription medications
Currently smoking or using nicotine
Current use of hormone therapy
Current heavy alcohol use, as defined as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the last month, or consuming more than 7 (women) or 14 (men) drinks per week in the last month (per NIAAA definition)
Current or recent (within the last 6 mo.) illicit drug use disorder as indicated by a score of 3 or greater on the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10)
Current or recent (within 6 mo.) pregnancy OR current or recent breastfeeding (within 3 mo.) OR children under the age of 2 years old in the home
Currently completing greater than 300 minutes of moderate intensity, or greater than 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equal combination per week
Unstable housing
AIM 2
Inclusion Criteria:
18-29 years of age
SBP <129 and DBP <90 mmHg
Body Mass Index > 18.5 kg/m2 and <35 kg/m2

Where it is running

Integrative Laboratory of Applied Physiology and Lifestyle Medicine — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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