Thermodynamic Exposure and Sleep in Military Cadets

This study is looking at how cold-water immersion, using a high heat sauna, or a combination of both might affect sleep and mood in military cadets. Researchers want to see if these activities can improve how well you sleep and your overall psychological health. They will use wearable devices like the Oura Ring to track sleep and other body information, along with questionnaires. You might be able to join if you are a military cadet at The Citadel, between 18 and 30 years old, and have a smartphone with the Oura Ring app. The study plans to enroll 45 participants, but its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional pilot study with 45 military cadets, who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: cold-water immersion, high heat sauna, or a combination of both.
What's involved
You would participate in a 7-day baseline period, followed by 14 daily sessions of either cold-water immersion or high heat sauna, or both, depending on your assigned group.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your sleep and mood will be assessed at the end of the baseline period (Day 7), after one week of intervention (Day 14), and at the end of the intervention phase (Day 28).

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07201935

Thermodynamic Exposure and Sleep in Military Cadets

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18–30InterventionalTreatment
Medical University of South Carolina
~45 participants
Updated 2026-09-01 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cold Water ImmersionHigh Heat Sauna

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Sleep Efficiency
Measured over Each night of the baseline monitoring period (7days) and intervention phase (14days)
+2 more outcomes measured
Cold-water Immersion
High Heat Sauna
Combination of Cold-water Immersion and High Heat Sauna

NCT07201935

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • The Citadel Military College

    Charleston, South Carolinastudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Mark Rosenberg, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Medical University of South Carolina

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 - 30 years of age
Enrolled military cadet at the Citadel Military College.
Access to a smartphone with access to appropriate app marketplace (Apple iOS 15, Android 8.0 or newer) and reliable data access.
Ability to access and operate Oura Ring application.

Exclusion

Medical contraindications to continuous wearing of the Oura Ring.
Current diagnosis of neurological conditions that impact vascular blood flow or the individual's ability to regulate temperature.
History of cardio-vascular conditions or history of poor blood circulation.
History of heat stroke or known sensitivity to hot/cold environments.
Currently taking medications that impair fluid balance, thermoregulation, blood flow, respiration, or heart rate.
Known dermatological disease aggravated by changes in temperature.
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant within the study timeframe. Urine samples will be provided by interested female cadets to ensure they are not pregnant.
  • Sleep EfficiencyEach night of the baseline monitoring period (7days) and intervention phase (14days)

    Percentage of sleep period spent asleep measured by the Oura Ring (percentage, %)

  • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality IndexAt the end of the baseline monitoring phase (Day 7), end of intervention week 1 (Day 14), and end of intervention phase (Day 28)

    Self-reported sleep quality

  • Brief Mood Introspection ScaleAt the end of the baseline monitoring phase (Day 7), end of intervention week 1 (Day 14), and end of intervention phase (Day 28)

    Self-reported assessment of mood consisting of 16 mood adjectives. Participants rate each adjective on a 4-point likert scale (1 = definitely don't feel, 4 = definitely feel). The scale uses a combination of direct and reverse scoring so that higher scores reflect more favorable mood states (max = 64).