NCT05588934 · University of Arizona
Caffeine Optimization Versus Standard Caffeine Dosage (2B-2)
(2B-2)
What this study is about
This clinical trial will be a comparison between personalized recommended caffeine dosing regimen versus the standard recommended caffeine dosing regimen for sustaining performance during sleep deprivation and minimizing side effects and subsequent sleep disruption.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial will be a comparison between personalized recommended caffeine dosing regimen versus the standard recommended caffeine dosing regimen for sustaining performance during sleep deprivation and minimizing side effects and subsequent sleep disruption. The questions this study aims to answer are: Whether the personalized caffeine recommendations improve vigilance, sleepiness, and cognition after total sleep deprivation, compared to standard recommendations; Whether the personalized caffeine recommendation better addresses the physical and emotional side effects of total sleep deprivation, compared to standard recommendations; And whether personalized caffeine recommendations aids in better recovery sleep after total sleep deprivation, compared to standard recommendations. Participants will be asked to: 1. Complete a 13-day at-home portion, wearing an actigraph watch to measure activity and sleep, and complete motor vigilance tests up to six times a day. 2. Complete a 4-day in-lab portion, where participants will have to complete one night of baseline sleep, undergo 62-hours of total sleep deprivation, and then complete one night of recovery sleep. 3. During the in-lab portion of the study, participants will be asked to complete more motor vigilance tests. Researchers will be comparing the personalized caffeine recommendation group against the standard caffeine recommendation to see if it is better at addressing each of the main questions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18-39 years of age
- Must demonstrate adequate comprehension of the protocol by achieving a score of at least 80% correct on a short multiple-choice quiz
Exclusion criteria
- Self-reported habitual nightly sleep amounts outside the target range of approximately 6-9 hours (i.e., less than 6 hours per night or more than 9 hours per night, on average)
- Self-reported nighttime bedtimes earlier than approximately 2100 hours on average during weeknights (Sunday through Thursday)
- Self-reported morning wake-up times later than approximately 0900 on average during weekdays (Monday through Friday)
- Self-reported habitual napping (\> 3 times per week)
- Self-reported symptoms suggestive of a sleep disorder (to include but not limited to sleep disordered breathing/sleep apnea, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, restless leg syndrome, parasomnias, rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, etc.)
- History of a sleep disorder (to include all of the above)
- Any use of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids during the 6-month period prior to screening indicative of a potential sleep disorder as determined by the examining study physician
- History of neurologic disorder (e.g., seizure disorder, amnesia for any reason, hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis)
- Self-reported caffeine use \> 400 mg per day on average
- Score of 14 or above on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
- Score of 41 or above on the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T)
- Score below 31 or above 69 on the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire
- Self-reported regular nicotine use (\> 1 cigarette or equivalent per week) within the last 1 year) or positive nicotine/cotinine result during screening visit
- Self-reported heavy alcohol use (≥14 drinks per week or as determined by the examining study physician) or positive saliva alcohol result during screening visit
- History of cardiovascular disease (to include but not limited to arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, history of sudden cardiac death or myocardial infarction)
- Underlying acute or chronic pulmonary disease requiring daily inhaler use
- Kidney disease or kidney abnormalities
- Liver disease or liver abnormalities
- Self-reported history of psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization or use of psychiatric medication for any length of time
- Self-reported use of products or drugs that cannot be safely discontinued during in-laboratory phases (determined on a case-by-case basis by the examining study physician)
- Self-reported current use of other illicit drugs (to include but not limited to benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana) or positive urine drug screen
- (Females only) positive urine pregnancy result
- (Females only) self-reported or suspected current breast-feeding or collecting breast milk
- Resting blood pressure above 140/90 or resting pulse \> 110 beats per minute (if a physician performs a repeat measurement, \~20 minutes after original measure, and it is within range, volunteer will not be excluded)
- BMI ≥ 30 (Obese Class I or greater)
- Clinically significant values (as determined by the reviewing study physician) for any hematology or chemistry parameter
- Inability to read and sign consent
- (Military only) failure to obtain required approved official leave to participate
- Failure to cooperate with requirements of the study, e.g. failure to complete 80% of Smart-Psychomotor Vigilance Tests (PVTs) during Phase 1 (Days 2-13)
Where
- Tucson, Arizona
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 4, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations