Power nap prescription: study tests best nap length for night shift workers

NCT ID NCT07217769

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether taking a nap during a night shift can improve blood pressure and alertness in healthcare and public safety workers. Researchers will compare naps lasting 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes taken at 2:00 AM. The goal is to find the nap length that best balances heart health benefits with post-nap performance.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
napping (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help night shift workers and their employers choose the best nap length to protect heart health and stay alert on the job.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study in a lab setting, so real-world results may differ. Naps can also cause grogginess right after waking, which might affect performance.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Pittsburgh

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States

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