Recovery and Early Sleep Tracking Using the SuperPatch REM Patch
NHS doctors often struggle with sleep and recovery after working night shifts. This study is looking at a new, drug-free patch called the SuperPatch REM Patch. It works by gently vibrating to help support the body's natural sleep and recovery signals. We want to find out if this patch can help doctors sleep better and feel more recovered after their night shifts. We're also checking how easy it is for them to use. This is an early-stage study to see if the patch shows promise, which could lead to a bigger study later on. It's an important step in helping those who work irregular hours get better rest.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Working night shifts can make it hard for people, like our amazing NHS doctors, to get good sleep and feel refreshed. Their body clocks get out of sync, leading to tiredness and difficulty recovering properly. This can impact their health and how they feel.
This study is testing a new product called the SuperPatch REM Patch. It's not a medicine, and it doesn't contain any drugs. Instead, it uses a special gentle vibration technology to try and support the body's natural processes during sleep. The idea is that these vibrations could help improve the quality of sleep and recovery after a night shift. The patch sticks to your skin and is designed to be comfortable.
This is a 'Phase 1' study, which means it's one of the first steps in testing the patch. We want to see if it's safe, easy for people to use, and if it shows any early signs of helping with sleep and recovery. We're asking NHS doctors who work night shifts to take part because they are a group who really need better sleep support. The information we gather will help us decide if we should do a larger, more detailed study in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a new, drug-free patch for better sleep after night shifts.
- It's designed for NHS doctors who work night shifts.
- The patch uses gentle vibrations to help with recovery.
- Participation involves wearing a patch and a sleep tracker at home.
- This is an early study to see if the patch works and is easy to use.
- Information from this study could help many other night-shift workers.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult doctor aged 18 or over, who regularly works night shifts. You should be happy to follow the study instructions from home, which includes wearing a special device that tracks your sleep and applying the study patch during your sleep after a night shift.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have allergies to sticky plasters or skin conditions that would make it difficult to wear the patch. Also, if you use another device that sticks to your skin in the same area where our patch would go, or if you have any health problems that might make it unsafe for you to take part or make the study results unclear, then you wouldn't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult doctor (18 or over)?
- Do you regularly work night shifts?
- Are you comfortable wearing a sleep tracker and a sticky patch at home?
- Do you have any known allergies to sticky plasters or serious skin conditions?
- Do you have any other medical conditions that might affect your sleep or safety in a study?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll need to wear a sleep-tracking device, similar to a smartwatch, during the study period. You'll also need to apply a small, sticky patch (either the SuperPatch REM Patch or a dummy patch) to your skin each time you go to sleep after a night shift. All of this can be done from your own home, so there are no hospital visits required. We will ask you to keep track of your sleep and how you're feeling using questionnaires. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be shared with you by the research team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Vichag LtdVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the SuperPatch REM Patch?
It's a small, drug-free patch that uses gentle vibrations to try and improve sleep and recovery after night shifts.
Is this patch a medicine?
No, it's not a medicine and doesn't contain any drugs. It uses a physical technology (vibrations) instead.
Who is running this study?
This is a study focused on NHS doctors who work night shifts to help improve their recovery.
How long will I be in the study?
The exact length of your involvement will be explained to you by the study team.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you are free to stop taking part at any point, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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