Enhancing sleep recovery after concussion in children

The Effect of Sleep and Slow Wave Enhancement on Recovery From a Concussion in Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal, Randomized, Double-Blind, and Sham-Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional University Children's Hospital, Zurich · NCT04770116

This study is testing if using sound while kids sleep can help them recover better from a concussion.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital, Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT04770116 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of auditory stimulation during sleep on recovery from concussion in children and adolescents. Participants aged 6 to 18 years who have experienced a concussion will be randomly assigned to receive either auditory stimulation or sham stimulation for one week while sleeping at home. The study will assess cognitive performance and post-concussive symptoms through questionnaires and tests at baseline, intermediate, and follow-up assessments. The goal is to determine if enhancing deep sleep can improve recovery outcomes after a concussion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with a concussion.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions or severe traumatic brain injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery times and outcomes for children suffering from post-concussion symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of auditory stimulation during sleep is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing sleep quality and cognitive recovery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed Consent as documented by signature
* Age between 6 and 18 years
* Good knowledge of German of the patient and at least one legal representative
* Patients: Presentation to the Emergency of the University Children's Hospital Zurich because of a concussion (diagnosed by medical doctor)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preterm birth (\< 37 gestational weeks)
* Diagnosed hearing disorder
* Psychiatric, syndromal, or neurological pre-existing condition (except for previous concussion)
* Skin disorder/skin problem in the face/ear area that requires Treatment
* Usage of neuroactive substances
* Patients: Concomitant injury that requires intense pain medication or a prolonged hospital stay, or that causes limited use of the dominant Hand
* Patients: Previous moderate-severe TBI
* Controls: Injury of the dominant hand, on head, arm, or leg
* Controls: Previous TBI (of any severity)

Additional inclusion criteria for the optional MRI measurement for both groups:

* Age at least 8 years
* Fulfilment of all MRI safety criteria
* The participant and the legal representative would want to know about incidental findings.
* Girls: No pregnancy or breast feeding.

Where this trial is running

Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Concussion Post Syndromesleepauditory stimulationpost-concussive symptomsin-home EEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.