Could a hospital sedative fix PTSD nightmares?

NCT ID NCT06685965

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Reconnect Labs Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a medication called RE03 (dexmedetomidine), already used in intensive care, can improve sleep in people with PTSD who have trouble sleeping or nightmares. Twenty-four adults with PTSD will receive either the drug or a placebo in random order, and their sleep will be measured in a lab. The goal is to see if it increases deep sleep and reduces sleep disruptions.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine (given as a buccal tablet)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for sleep problems in PTSD, especially for those who don't respond to current therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 24 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Dexmedetomidine is used in hospitals and may cause side effects like low blood pressure or drowsiness.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

insomnia Parasomnias post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND INSOMNIA

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Human Sleep Pharmacology, University of Zurich

Zurich, Canton of Zurich, 8057, Switzerland

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