Actively Recruiting
Effects of Operational Naps on Blood Pressure and Performance Among Night Shift Workers
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-06-03
130
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of different nap durations during night shift work on blood pressure and performance among public safety and healthcare workers. Night shift work disrupts sleep and causes abnormal blood pressure patterns, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine which nap length best restores normal blood pressure patterns and improves alertness and performance after waking during simulated night shifts. The study tests five nap conditions: no nap, 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute naps taken at 2:00 a.m. during a 12-hour simulated night shift. Participants will complete four of these nap conditions in a randomized order. Each nap opportunity is monitored with non-invasive devices, and caffeine consumption is controlled. Psychomotor performance is assessed after naps and during the shift to evaluate the effects of nap duration. Participants will undergo 36 hours of at-home monitoring before each condition and then experience a 12-hour simulated night shift with a scheduled nap opportunity. During the shift, blood pressure and performance tests are continuously monitored. The primary outcomes include the percentage of participants showing significant blood pressure dipping and psychomotor performance at least 10 minutes after napping. Secondary outcomes assess performance on simulated patient scenarios. The study plans to enroll 130 participants with ongoing safety and performance monitoring.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Operational Naps on Blood Pressure and Performance Among Night Shift Workers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Non-pregnant adults over 18 years of age
- Certified public safety or healthcare shift worker
- Currently active shift worker
- Lives within Western Pennsylvania region within reasonable driving distance
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently taking medication for cardiovascular disease such as hypertension
- Prior or current diagnosis of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, rheumatologic disease requiring prescription medication, or cancer treated in past 2 years
- Undiagnosed severe sleep apnea (Apnea-Hypopnea Index greater than 30) based on at-home test
- Abstains from caffeine or reports adverse effects from caffeine use
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 36 hours per condition
Participants undergo 36 hours of at-home monitoring with non-invasive devices before each nap condition.
4 to 5 monitoring periods depending on assigned nap conditions
Duration - 12 hours per condition
Participants complete a 12-hour simulated night shift with assigned nap opportunities and psychomotor performance tests.
4 to 5 simulated night shifts with nap opportunities at 2:00 AM
Duration - During and up to 12 hours post nap
Participants' blood pressure dipping and psychomotor performance are observed during and after nap conditions.
Assessments occur during simulated night shifts
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15261
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel Patterson, PhD
M
Maureen Morgan
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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