Vibrating watch may disrupt PTSD nightmares, study finds
NCT ID NCT04040387
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
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Minneapolis VA Healthcare System
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417, United States
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Ralph H Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, United States
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, United States