Actively Recruiting
Effects of Operational Naps on Blood Pressure and Performance Among Night Shift Workers
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-04-30
130
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
226 weeks
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
Night shift work schedules disrupt sleep and have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. Most who work in public safety occupations and in healthcare work night shifts. These workers experience abnormal blood pressure during night shifts and are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Napping during night shifts can help to restore blood pressure patterns to a more normal pattern and may help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Naps may also have an impact on alertness and performance immediately upon waking. The overarching goal of this study is to determine which duration of a nap taken during simulated night shift work has the greatest impact blood pressure and post-nap performance. Researchers will compare 5 nap durations to see which has the greatest impact on blood pressure patterns and post-nap psychomotor performance. Researchers hypothesize that longer naps will lead to improved blood pressure outcomes and shorter naps will contribute to better performance after waking. Findings will help employers and employees who work night shifts determine how best to incorporate brief naps during night shift work.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Operational Naps on Blood Pressure and Performance Among Night Shift Workers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults older than 18 years
- Certified public safety or healthcare shift workers
- Currently active shift workers
- Reside within Western Pennsylvania region within reasonable driving distance
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently using 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 requiring treatment in past 2 years
- Undiagnosed severe sleep apnea (Apnea-Hypopnea Index >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
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15261
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel Patterson, PhD
CONTACT
M
Maureen Morgan
CONTACT
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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