Magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS) to improve sleep in healthy adults
Official title: The Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Improving Sleep Quality in Adults Without Serious Mental Illness
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07106385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 27, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07106385 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.