Brain-Timed sound pulses tested to boost sleep during sedation

NCT ID NCT04206059

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether playing short sound bursts in sync with brain slow waves during sedation with dexmedetomidine can enhance sleep-like brain activity. 18 healthy adults each experienced in-phase, anti-phase, and sham stimulation in repeated blocks. The goal was to see if the timing of sound affects slow wave activity and arousal thresholds.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Closed loop acoustic stimulation (sound pulses timed to brain slow waves)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to enhance sleep quality during medical sedation without drugs.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study in healthy volunteers, not patients. It only measures brain activity, not real sleep benefits, and may not translate to clinical practice.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SEDATION COMPLICATION SLEEP

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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