Could a nerve zap help veterans with PTSD sleep better?

NCT ID NCT04021537

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation on the skin can improve sleep in veterans with PTSD. The device, similar to a TENS unit, targets two different nerve locations to see which works better. Researchers will measure sleep quality using overnight sleep tests in 87 veterans.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: non-invasive nerve stimulation via TENS unit
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug way to improve sleep for veterans with PTSD.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 87 participants and no placebo group, so results may not apply widely. The effect on sleep may be modest.

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.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL

Gainesville, Florida, 32608-1135, United States

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