Preliminary evidence of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation effects on sleep in veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder

• DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13891
• Publication Date: 2023-04-11T12:11:44Z
• Authors: Sarah A. Bottari; Damon G. Lamb; Eric C. Porges; Aidan J. Murphy; Amy B. Tran; Raffaele Ferri; Michael S. Jaffee; Maria I. Davila; Simon Hartmann; Mathias Baumert; John B. Williamson
• Keywords: Vagus Nerve Stimulation; Vagal Tone; Sleep

Sleep problems are common among veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and closely associated hyperarousal symptoms. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) may have potential to improve sleep quality in PTSD through effects on brain systems relevant sleep-wake regulation. The current pilot study examines the effect of 1 h tVNS administered at "lights out" architecture, microstructure, autonomic activity. Thirteen completed two nights laboratory-based polysomnography during which they received either active (tragus) or sham (earlobe) randomised order. staging stability metrics were derived from data. Autonomic activity was assessed using Porges-Bohrer method for calculating respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA