Nerve block and sleep therapy for military trauma survivors with PTSD

This trial is testing whether a stellate ganglion block — an injection that numbs a nerve bundle in your neck — can help improve sleep quality in military service members and veterans with PTSD. Researchers will monitor your sleep using a special headband before and after you receive either the actual injection or a placebo injection, while you're also receiving prolonged exposure therapy (a proven talk therapy for PTSD).

Many people with PTSD struggle with poor sleep and nightmares, which can make their trauma symptoms worse and slow their recovery. This study is exploring whether the nerve block injection might help improve sleep as part of PTSD treatment, potentially making therapy more effective.