Could a headband worn during sleep ease ADHD symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05374187

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve on the forehead (trigeminal nerve) during sleep to see if it can reduce ADHD symptoms in children ages 7 to 12. Over 200 children used either the active device or a sham (inactive) device nightly for 4 weeks. Researchers measured changes in ADHD rating scales and brain activity to see if the treatment works and how it might affect the brain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, non-drug treatment option for children with ADHD, reducing symptoms without medication side effects.
What could go wrong: This is a completed early-stage trial with a modest sample size. The effect may be small or not last long, and the device may not work for all children.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States
University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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