Vagus nerve stimulation to improve sleep in elderly patients after surgery

Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) Improves Postoperative Sleep Disorders in Elderly Patients:a Randomized Controlled Study.

Not applicable Interventional Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT06421051

This study is testing if a new way to stimulate the vagus nerve can help older patients sleep better after having surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06421051 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation to enhance postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients who have undergone elective general anesthesia. The study is designed as a prospective, randomized controlled, triple-blind trial, focusing on patients aged 65 and older. By targeting postoperative sleep disorders, which are prevalent in this age group, the trial aims to assess the efficacy of this intervention in improving overall recovery and health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 65 and older undergoing non-craniocerebral surgery under elective general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to retain tracheal intubation after surgery or have severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and recovery in elderly patients after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation for postoperative sleep disorders in elderly patients is novel, similar approaches in other contexts have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing non-craniocerebral surgery under elective general anesthesia
* Age ≥65 years old
* American society of Aneshesiologists Grade I to III
* Sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are expected to retain tracheal intubation after surgery
* Disturbance of consciousness, mental disorder, inability to cooperate
* Expected survival \< 3 months
* The estimated operation time is \< 2 hours
* The expected postoperative hospital stay is \< 5 days

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.