Research Center: SCAN Lab at Merrimack College
Location: Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
Lead Researcher: Dr. Laura Kurdziel and Dr. Allison Seitchik
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Merrimack College IRB

Concussions can make it harder for the brain to manage emotions, but could something as simple as a nap help? Researchers at Merrimack College are exploring whether a short daytime nap can improve emotional control and brain function in individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), also known as concussions.

By joining this study, you’ll contribute to important research that could lead to simple, effective tools—like napping—to support emotional recovery. Be part of something impactful. Sign up today!

• Participants will receive a $120 Amazon or Dunkin’ Donuts gift card for their time (completing the study).
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit society in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

• Individuals aged 18 – 35 who have had a concussion within the last 2 to 3 weeks
• Preferably must have had only one concussion (i.e., the most recent concussion must be the first and only one)
• Must not have any seizure disorders
• Must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• Must not have an astigmatism in both eyes
• Must not be a shift worker
• Preferably no history of concussions prior to the most recent one.
• Must be able to attend 2-4 visits at the research site over 2 weeks.

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will wear a cap with 32 small electrodes that record naturally occurring brain and muscle activity.
• Participants will view a mix of neutral and highly unpleasant images (including sexual assault, war zones, mutilation, and gore) as part of an emotion regulation task. They will report their emotions after each image while an eye tracker records their eye movements and pupil changes.
• In one session, participants will be given a 2-hour nap opportunity to rest, and in the other session, participants will remain awake doing an activity during the 2-hour window. This is a within-subjects design. They will also complete questionnaires about their sleep, mood, and concussion history.

SCAN Lab at Merrimack College
The SCAN Lab’s research broadly examines the mechanisms by which behaviors, emotions, and memories can be altered by our past experiences or external/internal factors and can be improved by interventions.

Merrimack College is one of the fastest-growing educational institutions in the country, offering a top-tier, selective education in a picturesque residential setting. Located 25 miles from Boston, Massachusetts.