Sleep Architecture, Cognitive Function, and Quality of Life During Early Recovery From Substance Use Disorder

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-45
SponsorAssiut University

About this trial

This prospective cohort study investigates how sleep disturbances affect cognitive recovery and quality of life during early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Chronic substance use frequently alters normal sleep architecture, which may impair attention, memory, and everyday functioning. The primary aim is to characterize baseline sleep patterns in adults with SUD compared to healthy control participants and determine whether baseline sleep disruptions predict cognitive and functional recovery over three months of monitored abstinence.

The study includes two groups of participants aged 18 to 45 years: adults diagnosed with a primary substance use disorder undergoing treatment and monitored abstinence, and a comparison group of healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, education, work schedule, and caffeine or nicotine use.

At the beginning of the study, all participants complete:

* Structured diagnostic interviews and clinical assessments for mood, anxiety, and attention. * Questionnaires evaluating subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). * A global cognitive screening test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and a computerized attention test (Continuous Performance Task). * An overnight sleep study (polysomnography) conducted in a sleep laboratory following an initial adaptation night to objectively record brain waves, sleep stages, oxygen levels, and sleep continuity.

Participants in the substance use disorder group undergo supervised abstinence monitoring via periodic clinical check-ins and random urine drug screens. At 1 month and 3 months post-baseline, participants repeat the cognitive tests, quality-of-life questionnaires, and mood/sleep assessments to track recovery trajectories over time (no repeat overnight sleep studies are performed).

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age between 18 and 45 years.

Fulfillment of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a primary Substance Use Disorder.

Admitted to inpatient wards or followed in outpatient neuropsychiatry services.

Resolution of acute intoxication and clinically significant withdrawal prior to sleep assessment.

Disqualifiers

Primary major independent psychiatric disorders predating the onset of substance use (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).

Pre-existing primary sleep disorders independent of substance use (e.g., previously diagnosed severe obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy).

Current intake of prescription medications known to severely alter sleep architecture or cognitive function (e.g., chronic benzodiazepines, high-dose antipsychotics, antiepileptics).

History of severe traumatic brain injury, neurological illness, or structural brain lesions.

Trial population

Adult patients aged 18 to 45 years diagnosed with a primary Substance Use Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria, admitted to inpatient wards or followed at outpatient clinics of the Neuropsychiatry Department at Assiut University Hospitals. A comparison group of age-, sex-, and education-matched adults without a substance use disorder is recruited from the local community, screened for the same psychiatric and sleep disorder exclusions, and matched on shift-work status as well as caffeine and nicotine consumption.

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

34 Participants
are grouped into 2 trial groups
Group A: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Group
Group B: Matched Healthy Control Group

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change From Baseline in Continuous Performance Task (CPT) Reaction-Time Variability

Assessed using a 14-minute computerized Continuous Performance Task (CPT) to evaluate sustained attention. It is calculated as the change in reaction-time standard deviation (in milliseconds) on correct target trials from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. A negative change score indicates improved stability of sustained attention.

Time frame
Baseline and 3 months

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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