Effects of Vitamin B12 on the Body's Internal Clock

Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Vitamin B12 on the Human Circadian Pacemaker

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that influence natural functions in the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Circadian rhythms provide the body with an internal clock and affect sleep patterns. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of vitamin B12 supplements on circadian rhythms and sleep-wake regulation.

Clinical Trial Description

Individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorder suffer from recurrent patterns of disrupted sleep that can significantly affect their daily functioning. Evidence suggests that vitamin B12 supplements may have a beneficial effect on sleep patterns. However, research on the effects of vitamin B12 supplements on sleep is limited. This study will determine the effects of vitamin B12 supplements on circadian rhythms and sleep-wake regulation.

This study will last 47 days. Participants will undergo a 3-week medical and psychological screening prior to study entry. Eligible participants will be admitted to the General Clinical Research Center where they will live in a private study room for the duration of the study. The room will be a time-free environment with no windows, clocks, television, or radio. Participants will not be able to make or receive telephone calls, and their bedtimes, wake times, and mealtimes will be determined by study researchers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive three capsules of either vitamin B12 or placebo daily. Blood and saliva collection will occur daily to determine core body temperature and hormone levels. Performance tests to determine participants' cognitive abilities will be administered at regular intervals throughout each day. Participants' sleep will be recorded every night with polysomnography, which will monitor brain and muscle activity and breathing patterns during sleep. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Bio-equivalence Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Parasomnias
• Sleep Disorders
• Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm

• NCT number: NCT00120484
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 2005
• Completion date: January 2008