Earbud device could ease insomnia in childhood cancer survivors
NCT ID NCT07191119
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive earbud that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help adult survivors of childhood leukemia who have trouble sleeping. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation nightly for 2 to 8 weeks. The goal is to see if the device is practical and whether it improves sleep, stress, and thinking skills.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) via a non-invasive earbud device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a safe, drug-free way to improve sleep and brain function in cancer survivors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study (40 people) testing feasibility, not effectiveness. The sham control may show similar results, and benefits may not be large or lasting.
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 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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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20 to 50 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: * Survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) * Enrolled on SJLIFE * Participant was less than 21 years of age at time of diagnosis. * Age 20-50 years at the time of enrollment * Insomnia Severity Index \>=8 (Proxy \>=8) confirmed prior to enrollment * Access to home Wi-Fi and Smartphone * Participant is able to speak and understand the English language * Participant is able and willing to give consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand the details and requirements of the study (at the discretion of the PI) * Female participants who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant * Presence of implanted electrical medical devices (i.e. pacemaker) * Currently taking medication intended to treat neurocognitive impairment (i.e. stimulants) or medications prescribed for seizure management * History of skin irritation or other issues during stimulation of inner ear * Currently utilizing a technological intervention for a sleep disorder (e.g. CPAP) * Medications and behavioral practices (white noise, night-time yoga, etc) are acceptable as long as the insomnia is persistent. * History of a contraindicated health condition including: * Syncope (CTCAE \>2) * Cardiac dysrhythmia (CTCAE \>2) * Vascular Disease (CTCAE \>2) * Coronary Artery Disease (CTCAE \>2) * Active contraindicated heath condition including: * Cranial Nerve Disorder (CTCAE \>2) * Cardiac tachycardia (CTCAE \>2) * Neuropathy (Cranial Nerves) (CTCAE \>2) * Neuralgia (Cranial Nerves) (CTCAE \>2) * Overt Cerebrovascular Accident (CTCAE \>2) * Seizures (Any in most recent 1 year * Currently enrolled or participating in any other neurostimulation or neuromodulation ancillary research studies
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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 study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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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
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
RECRUITINGMemphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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