WithdrawnNot Applicable

Pain Sensitivity in NREM Parasomnia (NOCISOMNIE)

Stopped: Material needed for study was not available

France0Started 2015-10

Plain-language summary

Non Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep parasomnias (sleepwalking and sleep terrors) are frequent and disabling sleep disorders characterized by arousal specifically from slow wave sleep (SWS) with dissociated brain activity that may be related to lower nociceptive state. The investigators recently reported frequent subjective complaints of chronic pain, migraine and headache during wakefulness in adult sleepwalkers. They also described frequent analgesia during severe and injuring episodes, suggesting a relationship between dissociated brain activity and nociceptive dysregulation. However, this study did not included objective nociceptive measures and the retrospective assessment of perceived pain during parasomnia episodes over a lifetime span might also introduce a recall bias. The aims of the present study are to measure objective pain sensitivity in patients with NREM parasomnias and matched controls during 1) parasomniac episodes, 2) light NREM sleep and SWS, and 3) wakefulness. Fifteen adults with severe NREM parasomnia and 15 age and sex-matched controls will be recruited. A 25 hours (8 AM to 9 AM) sleep deprivation protocol followed by auditory stimulations during SWS will be used to trigger parasomniac episodes. Thermoalgic stimulations of graduate intensity will be applied during wakefulness (8 PM) to determine the nociceptive threshold. During the recovery sleep following the sleep deprivation, the investigators will apply repeated subthreshold thermoalgic stimulations in NREM stage 2, SWS and triggered parasomniac episodes and report the behavioural/neurophysiologic nociceptive responses. The investigators hypothesized a lower nociceptive threshold during wakefulness in sleepwalkers and a decrease of the arousabiliy during SWS and parasomniac episodes. This study may help to better understand the etiology and mechanisms underlying the clinical enigma of the nociceptive dysregulation in NREM sleep parasomnias.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Subject from 18 years-old to 45 years-old * Affiliated to social security * Written informed consent \* CASE specific inclusion criteria : * NREM parasomnia diagnosed according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3rd edition (ICSD-3) criteria and confirmed by polysomnography assessment * Frequent symptomatology (at least 1 episode by week in the past 3 months) \* CONTROL specific inclusion criteria : * No medical history of NREM parasomnia Exclusion Criteria: * Known skin allergy to metal * Use of psychotropic drugs during the 15 days before the inclusion * Use of analgesic drugs during the 15 days before the inclusion * A diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome, periodic limb movements or restless legs syndrome present more than twice a week * Medical history of epilepsy * Non stable psychiatric disorder * Pregnancy, breastfeeding * Subject deprived of liberty or protected by law (tutorship, curatorship).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Percentage of neurophysiological arousal response within 5 seconds after a subthreshold thermoalgic stimulation applied during parasomniac episodes.

Timeframe: within 5 seconds after stimulation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02906904

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More NREM Parasomnia trials