Improving Sleep and Heart Health in Veterans with PTSD by Treating Nightmares
This study is testing a digital sleep treatment, called NightWare, to see if it can improve sleep and heart health in veterans by reducing nightmares related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Why this Research Matters
Many people with PTSD suffer from nightmares that affect their sleep and can lead to serious health issues, especially heart problems. Veterans are more likely to get PTSD than people who haven’t been in the military, and female veterans have a higher chance of getting PTSD than male veterans. Digital treatments, like NightWare, may play an important role in giving people the right level of care when they need it, and may help both military and civilian populations in the future.
What to Expect
First, you’ll have a visit to see if you can join the study. If you qualify and decide to join, you’ll be put into one of two groups. One group will get the NightWare device, and the other group will not. If you get the NightWare device, you’ll have two visits before using it, and two visits after you have used it for eight weeks. If you don’t get the device, you’ll have four study visits over 14 weeks. At the visits, you’ll fill out surveys about your health, trauma, nightmares, and military status. You’ll also get your blood pressure checked and give a small sample of blood. We’ll ask you about what you eat and drink. You’ll get tests to check your body fat and bone health (called a DXA). An ultrasound will be used to check the health of your arteries. You’ll wear a sleep and activity monitor while at home.
Study Duration
You’ll have five visits in person. Each visit will last between 1 and 5 hours. The whole study will take about 12 to 14 weeks.
Who can Participate
You can join this study if you:
- Have nightmares over and over agin because of PTSD
- Are a veteran
- Are between 22 and 88 years old
- Do not have high blood pressure that isn't under control
- Have never had cancer, diabetes, or heart disease
Study ID
Protocol Number: 24-0284
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Kerrie Moreau, PhD
Principal Investigator