A zap to the ear for better sleep during pregnancy? a trial puts it to the test

NCT ID NCT07730762

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Xijing Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a small device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help pregnant women with insomnia sleep better. Two hundred women in their second or third trimester will receive either active stimulation or a sham version for two weeks, with some starting immediately and others after a delay. Researchers will track sleep quality, mood, and safety for both mother and baby.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a nerve-stimulation device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to the ear (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, taVNS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free option for managing insomnia during pregnancy, potentially improving sleep and mood without medication risks.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with a sham comparison, so the real benefit may be small or absent. The device is experimental in pregnancy, and effects on the fetus are not yet known.

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.

insomnia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

INSOMNIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Xijing Hospital

Shanxi, Xian, 710032, China

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