Scientists probe body Clock's role in Dream-Acting sleep disorder
NCT ID NCT04886076
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how problems with the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) may contribute to REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition where people physically act out their dreams. Researchers will measure melatonin levels and sleep patterns in 30 adults recently diagnosed with RBD. The goal is to better understand the link between circadian disruption and RBD, which could lead to improved treatments.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2018
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
This study will involve men and women of all ethnic groups. We will recruit adults ≥ 40 years of age. Control participants will be age- (±5 years) and gender-matched to participants with RBD, have no diagnosis of RBD, and meet all other inclusion/inclusion criteria as the RBD group.
- Ages
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40 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of RBD as assessed by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICDS) diagnostic criteria within 3 years 2. 40 yrs of age Exclusion Criteria: 1. Other significant neurological disorder 2. Untreated significant sleep apnea and/or current sleep apnea symptoms as assessed by the clinical investigator 3. Co-existent restless legs syndrome (RLS), as assessed by the ICDS diagnostic criteria for RLS 4. Cognitive impairment as determined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of ≤ 23 5. Presence of depression defined as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score \>20 6. Use of tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors since they may induce/worsen RBD, unless on a stable dose of medication for at least 8 weeks 7. Use of medications known to affect melatonin secretion, such as lithium, α- and β-adrenergic antagonists 8. Shift work, currently or within the prior 3 months 9. Travel through ≥ 2 time zones within 60 days prior to the screening
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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
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.