Sleep effects of stellate ganglion block in military personnel undergoing prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD
Official title: The Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block on Sleep in U.S. Active Duty Service Members and Veterans Receiving Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT07667309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how a stellate ganglion block affects sleep in active duty service members and veterans with PTSD who are receiving prolonged exposure therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Killeen, Texas and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07667309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Active duty service members or veterans with PTSD enrolled in the parent trial who are willing to wear the Sleep Profiler and complete assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not showing sleep changes or not benefiting from the overall PTSD treatment may derive no sleep-related benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a nested observational study within a larger trial of stellate ganglion block plus prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD. Sleep will be measured with a wearable Sleep Profiler headband for three nights before and three nights after the block, along with self-reported sleep questionnaires. The study compares active ropivacaine versus saline (sham) on sleep architecture and continuity, and also examines how sleep changes relate to PTSD treatment outcomes. Approximately 40 participants from the parent trial are eligible to participate. The investigation uses objective sleep data and subjective sleep reports to explore whether the stellate ganglion block improves sleep and whether sleep improvements may mediate PTSD symptom changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify whether stellate ganglion block improves sleep quality and supports PTSD treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has explored SGB for PTSD symptoms; this nested sleep study extends to objective sleep measures with some precedent but remains exploratory for sleep architecture effects.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ability to provide informed consent and follow study-related instructions. 2. Be randomized into the study titled "Combining Stellate Ganglion Block with Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial." NCT05889741 3. Indicates willingness to wear the Sleep Profiler sleep monitor and to complete self-report assessments. Exclusion Criteria: 1\. Pre-existing skin or soft tissue condition that precludes the ability to wear the Sleep Profiler headband.
Where it's running
-
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood
Killeen, Texas, United States Recruiting -
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristi E Pruiksma, PhD, DBSM — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Kristi E Pruiksma, PhD, DBSM
- Email: pruiksma@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: (210) 562-6700
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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.