Sleep study for ICU sedation halted after just 3 volunteers

NCT ID NCT01342328

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study aimed to see if a sedative called dexmedetomidine produces sleep more like natural sleep than another sedative, propofol. Researchers planned to measure brain activity in 3 healthy volunteers during drug-induced and natural sleep. The trial was terminated early, so only limited data is available.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) and propofol
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors choose sedatives that better mimic natural sleep for ICU patients, potentially reducing delirium.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, not patients. It was terminated early, so results are limited and may not apply to real ICU settings.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Sleep Hygiene sleep-wake disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.