Could a simple neck massage ease sleep apnea?
NCT ID NCT07169058
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle hand massage along the vagus nerve can quickly improve blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels in people with moderate to severe sleep apnea. One hundred adults will either receive the 16-minute massage or rest quietly. Researchers will measure changes right after the session to see if this simple, low-cost approach might help manage symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- manual fascial mobilization (gentle hand massage along the vagus nerve)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help manage sleep apnea symptoms like high blood pressure and low oxygen.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study looking only at immediate effects. It may not lead to lasting benefits or work for everyone.
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 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2025
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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18 to 65 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: * Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) confirmed by polysomnography (PSG) according to international criteria (AASM - American Academy of Sleep Medicine) with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI ≥15/hour). Patients aged between 18 and 65 years. Patients able to comply with PSG procedures and the manual mobilization protocol. Patients with stable cardiac and respiratory status. Patients without acute exacerbations or decompensated disease. Patients who have not received CPAP, BiPAP, oral appliance therapy, or surgical treatment previously, or who discontinued such treatments at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Patients not taking medications that directly affect sleep patterns or autonomic nervous system function (e.g., sedatives, hypnotics, anticholinergics). Patients who provide written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with advanced heart failure, severe arrhythmia, or asthma. Patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or dementia. Patients with major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) \> 40 kg/m². Patients with a history of major surgery in the cervical region (e.g., thyroidectomy, cervical disc surgery) or vagus nerve injury. Patients with acute infection, skin lesions, or inflammatory disease in the neck/thoracic region. Patients currently using CPAP, BiPAP, or oral appliances. Patients with narcolepsy, insomnia, or parasomnia. Patients with alcohol use or taking sedative/hypnotic medications. Patients with night-shift work schedules or irregular sleep patterns. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients with cognitive impairment preventing adherence to the study protocol. Patients with severe musculoskeletal limitations (e.g., in the cervical/thoracic region) that would prevent mobilization.
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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
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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Mardin Artuklu University
Mardin, Mardin, 47000, Turkey (Türkiye)