Neurexan - a Clinical Trial in Short-Term Insomnia Patients

This clinical study aims to understand the effects of a medication called Neurexan on sleep patterns and stress in people with short-term insomnia. The study involves comparing Neurexan to a placebo - a tablet that looks like Neurexan but lacks active ingredients. The main goal of the study is to determine if Neurexan can enhance sleep efficiency in those with short-term insomnia. Sleep efficiency, which is the proportion of time spent asleep in relation to total time in bed, including attempts to fall asleep, will be assessed through Polysomnography (PSG). PSG examines various sleep characteristics such as brain activity, muscle and heart activity, and breathing.

Participants will take either Neurexan or the placebo for 14 days. Sleep efficiency will be evaluated using PSG before and after the treatment period. Additionally, sleep quality-related factors will be investigated using PSG data, sleep diaries, and participant-completed questionnaires.

The study will also investigate Neurexan's impact on stress levels. This will be assessed using the Cold Pressor Test, which measures stress through having the participant immerse their hand into ice water, and measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate, both indicators of stress. In addition, blood and saliva samples collected before and after treatment with Neurexan or placebo, will be analyzed for stress-related hormones such as cortisol. Patient questionnaires and Electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive brain activity recording, will further assess stress symptoms.

Researchers will analyze data related to sleep efficiency, sleep quality, and stress symptoms. By comparing outcomes before and after Neurexan or placebo treatment, the study aims to detect improvements in these areas. Positive results with Neurexan but not with the placebo would provide robust evidence for Neurexan's efficacy in addressing sleep and stress management issues. This study contributes valuable insights into Neurexan's potential benefits for individuals with short-term insomnia.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Insomnia definition according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria; episode duration less than 3 months.
2. Short-term insomnia with moderate symptoms according to Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) of at least 8 and below 22 being present for at least one week, but no longer than 3 months prior to Screening Visit.
3. Reports habitual bedtime, defined as the time the participant attempts to sleep, between 21:00 and 01:00.
4. Reports regular time spent in bed, either sleeping or trying to sleep, between 6 and 9 hours.
5. ≥18 years of age, not older than 65 years.
6. Legally competent male or female patient.
7. Signed Informed Consent.
8. Females of childbearing potential must agree to maintain highly effective or acceptable birth control throughout the trial (CTFG 2020).
9. Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2 at Screening Visit.
10. Use of digital device e.g., smartphone, tablet or laptop.
11. German speaking and reading.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with insomnia symptoms present longer than 90 days prior to Screening Visit.
2. Based on the diagnostic interview, reported history (within 2 years) of other sleep disorders (e.g., chronic insomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome (RLS), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)), i.e., STOPBang (SBQ) questionnaire score ≥5, International Restless Legs Scale score ≥16).
3. Based on the first polysomnographic screening night at Baseline 1, insomnia due to sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): OSA (Apnea Hypopnea Index of \>5 events/ hour), PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Index (PLMI) \>15 events/ hour).
4. Rotating shift work with overnight shifts.
5. History of psychiatric disorders within the last 6 months prior to Screening Visit according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5® Disorders - Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV).
6. History of sensitivity to any component of Neurexan®.
7. Unwilling or unable to comply with all the requirements of the clinical trial protocol.
8. Cognitive impairment (cut-off of 24 points in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment \[MoCA\]; at Screening Visit.
9. Any history of or current abuse of alcohol and/or amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, methaqualone, methadone, opioids, propoxyphene, barbiturates, phencyclidine; or expected to take during trial participation (urine drug screening at Screening Visit and adaptation nights).
10. Current use of medication affecting sleep, i.e., antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, blood pressure drugs, anti-dementia drugs (e.g., piracetam), herbal and homeopathic medicine, hormone preparations (e.g., thyroxine) with the exception of hormonal contraceptives.
11. Use of Neurexan® within the last two weeks from Screening Visit.
12. Non-pharmacological insomnia therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy within the last 6 months of Screening Visit, sleep restriction therapy, complementary and alternative therapies as meditation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, aromatherapy).
13. Excessive consumption of xanthine-containing beverages (more than 7 cups daily of coffee or tea or other beverages containing xanthines).
14. Use of nicotine during the last 6 months prior to Screening Visit.
15. Participation in any interventional clinical study within the past 30 days prior to Screening Visit.
16. Any relationship of dependence with the Sponsor or with the Investigator.
17. Active infection/ disease (C-Reactive Protein \[CRP\] \>5 mg/l).
18. Hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg.
19. History of neurological, rheumatic, chronic pain, immune, cardiovascular, pulmonary, liver/ kidney, or metabolic disorder within the last 6 months prior to Screening Visit.
20. Nocturia.
21. Pregnancy (as proven by positive urine pregnancy test at Screening Visit) or breastfeeding.
22. Patients with moderate to severe skin allergies and/or eczema.
23. Raynaud's disease.
24. Donation of blood or platelets 3 months prior to or in-between in-hospital visits.