Conditioning of the Cortisol Awakening Response: Study Protocol (Preprint)

Author:

Wolters FabianORCID,van Middendorp HenriëtORCID,van den Bergh Omer,Biermasz Nienke RORCID,Meijer Onno CORCID,Evers Andrea WMORCID

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The hormone cortisol plays important roles in human circadian and stress physiology and is an interesting target for interventions. Animal studies consistently show that cortisol is affected by pharmacological conditioning, but the results are mixed in humans. Cortisol also varies as part of a diurnal rhythm, showing a sharp increase right after awakening, the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Other studies have suggested that conditioning is also possible during sleep.

OBJECTIVE

We introduce a novel avenue for conditioning cortisol: by using the CAR as an unconditioned response and using scent conditioning while the participant is asleep. This study investigates an innovative way to study the effects of conditioning on cortisol and the diurnal rhythm, using a variety of devices and measures to make measurement possible at a distance and at unusual moments.

METHODS

The study protocol takes two weeks. Measures in week 1 are taken to reflect the CAR and waking under baseline conditions. For 3 consecutive nights in week 2, participants are exposed to a scent from 30min before awakening until their normal time of awakening. The scent thus becomes associated with the CAR. On the final night, participants are forced to wake four hours earlier, and either the same (conditioned group) or a different (control group) scent is presented half an hour before this new time. The primary outcome is the CAR, assessed by cortisol levels 0-45 minutes after awakening. Secondary outcomes are heart rate variability, actigraphy measures taken during sleep, and self-reported mood after awakening. To perform manipulations and measurements, the study uses wearable devices, online questionnaires and a programmed scent device.

RESULTS

Data collection is completed as of 24/12/2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study can provide new insights into learning effects on cortisol and the diurnal rhythm. If the procedure does affect the CAR and associated measures, it also has potential clinical significance in the treatment of sleep and stress disorders.

CLINICALTRIAL

Dutch Trial register (NTR), NL58792.058.16, registered 2019-06-07

Publisher

JMIR Publications Inc.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3