Magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS) to improve sleep in healthy adults
The Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Improving Sleep Quality in Adults Without Serious Mental Illness
This study will try repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to see if it improves sleep quality in adults aged 18–65 who have sleep complaints but no serious mental illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam) |
| Trial ID | NCT07106385 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study delivers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to adults with self-reported sleep complaints and monitors sleep quality and safety outcomes. Eligible participants are healthy adults aged 18–65 without serious mental illness or severe neurological conditions, and without contraindicated metal implants or pacemakers. Participants may experience short-lived side effects such as headache, dizziness, or nausea, and staff will monitor and manage adverse effects. The research is conducted in person at the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, with participant data kept confidential for research use only.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–65 who report sleep complaints but do not have serious mental illness, severe neurological disorders, or contraindicated metal implants or pacemakers are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with serious mental illness, severe neurological conditions, pacemakers or metal implants in the head/neck/upper back, or those whose sleep problems have other clear medical causes may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, rTMS could offer a non-drug option to improve sleep quality for adults with insomnia-like complaints.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot trials and early studies of rTMS for sleep or insomnia have shown mixed but sometimes promising results, though larger confirmatory trials remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults * Aged between 18-65 * Self-reported sleep complaints Exclusion Criteria: * Serious mental illness other than primary insomnia * Severe neurological conditions * Contraindications for rTMS.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, HKU — Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pak Wing Cheng
- Email: chengpsy@hku.hk
- Phone: 85290169487
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.