Can a simple supplement fix sleep after a concussion?

NCT ID NCT04603443

Completed 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 tested whether taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can improve sleep and thinking in veterans who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. 160 veterans were randomly assigned to receive different doses of BCAAs or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if the study procedures were practical and if veterans would stick with the treatment, not yet to prove it works.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to help veterans with mild TBI sleep better and think more clearly.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early-stage trial focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. The results may not show clear benefits, and side effects like stomach upset are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon, 97207-2964, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.