Effects of Auditory Stimulation on Sleep and Memory in Schizophrenia

Effects of Auditory Stimulation on Sleep and Memory in Schizophrenia

The investigators will test the hypothesis that auditory stimulation (playing quiet sounds during sleep) can normalize brain activity during sleep and improve memory in patients with schizophrenia. The investigators will do this by measuring sleep and memory performance under two conditions separated by one week: receiving auditory stimulation during sleep and not receiving auditory stimulation during sleep. The investigators will study healthy subjects and outpatients with schizophrenia.

Inclusion Criteria:

For healthy controls:

• Male and female subjects
• 18-50 years of age
• Proficient in English

For schizophrenia patients:

• Male and female schizophrenia outpatients
• 18-50 years of age
• Proficient in English
• Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant females
• Current use of psychotropic medications (healthy controls only)
• A history of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness or other neurological sequelae
• IQ <85
• Neurological disorder (including seizure disorder)
• Significant hearing or vision loss
• Current substance abuse or dependence (nicotine abuse or dependence is not exclusionary)
• Any unstable chronic medical condition that affects sleep
• Diagnosed sleep disorder