Can a light cap cure the tiredness that sleep apnea treatment leaves behind?

NCT ID NCT06698809

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: NYU Langone Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

Many people with obstructive sleep apnea still feel very sleepy during the day even after using a CPAP machine. This study tests a device called tPBM, which shines red and near-infrared light on the scalp to change brain activity. Researchers will measure brain blood flow and sleepiness scores in 22 adults to see if this light treatment can help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-drug way to ease daytime sleepiness in people whose sleep apnea is already treated.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study (22 people) testing a first-of-its-kind approach. It may show no benefit, and the results may not apply to everyone with OSA.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome Sleepiness

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SLEEPINESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

NYU Langone Health
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10016, United States

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