Plain-English translation of NCT03170440 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation — a technique that gently stimulates a major nerve in your body without surgery — can help improve sleep quality in veterans with PTSD or mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers will compare two different types of this stimulation to see which one works better. The goal is to find a safe, effective way to help people sleep better when PTSD or brain injury has disrupted their rest.
Many veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury struggle with severe sleep problems, which can make their symptoms worse and affect their overall health. Current treatments don't always work well for everyone, so this study is exploring whether gentle nerve stimulation could offer a new option to restore better sleep.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You will be assigned to receive one of two types of non-invasive nerve stimulation. The study involves receiving the stimulation treatment, likely over multiple sessions, while researchers monitor how it affects your sleep quality. You'll be asked to track your sleep and symptoms throughout the study to help determine whether this approach is helpful.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 11, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Florida
Collaborators
US Department of Veterans Affairs, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Enrollment target
~221 participants
Started
November 2017
Primary completion
October 2025
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years – 55 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in July 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
John Williamson, PhD
University of Florida
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.