Smartwatch vibration therapy tested for warfighter nightmares and insomnia

NCT ID NCT07288593

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a special smartwatch can improve sleep in warfighters who have trouble sleeping due to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or stress. The watch detects signs of stress during sleep, like a fast heart rate, and gives gentle vibrations to calm the body without waking the person. Researchers will track sleep quality, mood, and thinking over 30 days to see if the device helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: NightWare smartwatch (device that detects stress signals during sleep and delivers gentle vibrations)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to improve sleep quality and daytime function in military personnel with PTSD or TBI.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 180 participants. The device may not work for everyone, and results may not apply to civilians.

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.

insomnia post-traumatic stress disorder REM sleep behavior disorder sleep disorder sleep-wake disorder transient ischemic attack traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

INSOMNIA NIGHTMARE PTSD REM BEHAVIOR DISORDER SLEEP DISORDER (DISORDER) TBI

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center/Uniformed Services University

Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, United States

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