Vibrating watch may disrupt PTSD nightmares, study finds

NCT ID NCT04040387

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: NightWare Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a wearable device called NightWare that uses an Apple Watch to detect when a person is having a nightmare and gently vibrates to wake them just enough to stop the nightmare without fully waking them. The trial included 270 veterans and active-duty service members with PTSD and nightmare disorder. The goal was to see if the device improves sleep quality over 30 to 90 days compared to a sham device that does not vibrate.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: NightWare Therapeutic System (Apple Watch with vibration algorithm)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce PTSD nightmares and improve sleep quality for veterans.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with a sham control. The device may not work for everyone, and benefits might be modest or temporary.

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.

combat disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COMBAT DISORDERS NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE DISORDER WITH ASSOCIATED NON-SLEEP DISORDER NIGHTMARES, REM-SLEEP TYPE PTSD STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
Minneapolis VA Healthcare System

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417, United States
Ralph H Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, United States
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, United States

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