Actively Recruiting
Optimizing the Timing of rTMS to Enhance the Administration of Insomnia Treatment
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-04-23
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
82 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown to be a promising technique for improving insomnia symptoms and sleep quality. However, the impact of circadian rhythmicity on rTMS sessions and its potential influence on insomnia therapy remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of rTMS on objective sleep parameters is not fully established. The objective of this pilot study is to establish key feasibility and preliminary data that would be used for an R-level grant application focused on optimizing rTMS therapy for insomnia. The investigators will acquire feasibility data from ten adults with Insomnia disorder. Participants will receive ten sessions rTMS over two weeks, either in the morning or evening. Sleep parameters will be assessed before, during, and after completion of rTMS and brain cortical excitability will be collected before rTMS treatment. The investigators aim to 1) evaluate the impact of circadian timing of rTMS sessions on subjective and objective sleep outcomes, 2) assess the time course of improvements in sleep outcomes, and 3) examine the association between sleep outcomes and cortical excitability. The overarching goal of this work is to optimize rTMS therapy for insomnia by investigating the impact of circadian timing on rTMS sessions and assessing potential variations in subjective and objective measures of sleep.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Optimizing the Timing of rTMS to Enhance the Administration of Insomnia Treatment
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Males and females of any racial or ethnic group, aged 25-45 (inclusive)
- Diagnosed with insomnia disorder via the DUKE structured interview
- Fluent and literate in English
- Able to provide written, informed consent
- Live within 60 miles of Stanford University
You will not qualify if you...
- Have other sleep or circadian rhythm disorders significantly affecting sleep
- Regular use of benzodiazepine, opiate, thyroid, anticonvulsant, or antipsychotic medications
- Use psychotropic medications impacting sleep or alertness, or use illicit drugs
- Consume excessive alcohol (>14 drinks per week or >4 drinks per occasion)
- Have suicidal thoughts with elevated risk per Beck Depression Inventory
- History of neurological or cardiovascular disorders, brain surgery, electroconvulsive or radiation treatment, brain hemorrhage or tumor, stroke, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or significant head trauma
- Substance abuse or dependence
- Recent traumatic brain injury within past two months
- Severe vision, hearing, or hand movement impairments interfering with assessments
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Current or past bipolar disorder, PTSD, psychosis, or depression
- Received cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia within the past year
- Recent exposure to trauma within past 3 months
- Working rotating shifts overlapping with midnight
- High risk for sleep apnea and not compliant with CPAP therapy
- Current psychiatric disorder with medications that increase seizure risk such as clomipramine, bupropion, or maprotiline
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
1070 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maryam Ahmadi, PhD
CONTACT
A
Andrea Goldstein Piekarski, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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