ESPER
APPLIED RESEARCH
Independent Sleep Research Laboratory

Sleep and Emotional Memory in Pediatric Populations

Study ID: ESR-2024-004-C3

Status: Recruiting

Participant Population: Children ages 7 to 11

Overview

This study examines the relationship between low-intensity environmental stimuli, sleep continuity, emotional memory, and dream imagery in pediatric populations.

Prospective Participants

Esper Applied Research is currently seeking eligible participants for the third cohort of this ongoing research program. The study involves a series of overnight observation sessions designed to examine sleep continuity, dream recall, and physiological responses to controlled environmental conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 11 who meet the following criteria may be eligible to participate:

  • Has no significant physical health concerns.
  • Does not take any prescription medication.
  • Speaks English and is able to clearly articulate his or her thoughts aloud.
  • Does not suffer from night terrors or other sleep disorders.
  • Is accustomed to sleeping and waking on a regular schedule.
  • Are willing to attempt to illustrate any recalled dream imagery using materials provided by the research staff. Artistic proficiency is not evaluated.

Only one child per household may participate in the study, with an exception for identical twins, who may be enrolled together.

Study Procedures

Each session will begin in the evening, at a time appropriate to the participant’s regular sleep schedule, and conclude the following morning.

Following each overnight session, participants will be asked to provide a detailed verbal account of any dreams or nightmares they recall. Participants will also be provided with paper and colored pencils and asked to illustrate any remembered imagery.

Illustrations and audio recordings of verbal descriptions will be collected as part of the study’s observational record.

Compensation

Participants will receive $100 for each completed session, for a maximum of five sessions. Total compensation may therefore reach $500 per participant.

In cases where identical twins are enrolled together, compensation will be provided separately for each participant.

Compensation will be provided to the parent or legal guardian following the completion of each session.

Location

Sessions will be conducted at our satellite research office in Catlett, Virginia.

Alternate locations may be arranged on a case-by-case basis, depending on the participant’s proximity to the primary research site.

Parent or Guardian Requirements

All participants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout each research session, without exception.

The parent or guardian must remain in the same room as the participant for the entire duration of each session, including overnight.

Prior to participation, the parent or guardian will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.