Brain zaps for better sleep? small trial tests DBS for Parkinson's insomnia
NCT ID NCT04116996
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether turning on an extra deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode in a brain region called the globus pallidus externa (GPe) can help people with Parkinson's disease who have severe insomnia. Ten participants aged 40-80 will report changes in their sleep quality using questionnaires. The goal is to see if this targeted stimulation can ease a common and troubling symptom.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to improve sleep for people with Parkinson's disease who have severe insomnia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure involves brain surgery, which carries risks like infection or bleeding.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2019
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 40-80 years of age * Symptomatic with Parkinsonism for 7-20 years * Severe insomnia based on ISI score Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically significant dementia (MMSE \<23) * Hoehn \& Yahr \[Hoehn, 1967 #1839\] stage I or V disease * Other significant neurological or psychiatric disease * Previous pallidotomy or thalamotomy * Previous placement of other implantable devices * Secondary parkinsonism (non-idiopathic parkinsonism) * Inability to travel to Jacksonville for post-operative study visits * Severe sleep apnea * Insomnia due to pain or untreated mood disorder * Contraindications to 3T MRI * Circadian rhythm sleep disorders. * Current use of hypnotics
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Florida
RECRUITINGJacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
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