NCT06698809 · NYU Langone Health
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Intervention for REsiDual Sleepiness
(STIL TIRED)
What this study is about
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is commonly treated using positive airway pressure, yet 50% of patients still experience residual sleepiness after successful therapy. A potential neuromodulation strategy that can decrease residual sleepiness is transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM).
View original scientific description
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is commonly treated using positive airway pressure, yet 50% of patients still experience residual sleepiness after successful therapy. A potential neuromodulation strategy that can decrease residual sleepiness is transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). tPBM is a neuromodulatory treatment that uses red and/or near infrared light to penetrate the cortex and can alter both cerebral metabolism and blood flow. However, this potential has never been explored before directly in sleep disordered individuals. This project aims to explore the effect of tPBM on sleepiness and understand the potential neural mechanism of tPBM in OSA. The short-term goal of this project is to collect pilot data, which is the first of its kind, and suggest tPBM as a potential modulator of sleepiness in OSA.
Interventions
DEVICE
Active tPBM
tPBM is a neuromodulatory treatment that uses red and/or near infrared light to penetrate the cortex and can alter both cerebral metabolism and blood flow. Subjects will receive treatment for approximately 12 minutes per treatment and sham.
Primary outcome measures
Percent Change in Cerebral Blood Flow
Time frame: Pre-Active tPBM Treatment, Post-Active tPBM Treatment (Day 1, approx. 11-12 minutes)
Measured via MRI imaging.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Cognitively normal (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TiCS) ≥29))
- Moderate - severe OSA
- Currently on therapy for OSA and has received treatment for OSA for at least 3 months.
- Sustained compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which means using the machine at least 4 hours per night for five nights a week.
- Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) greater than or equal to 8 or excess daytime sleepiness as defined by the Functional Outcome Sleep Questionnaire or clinical complaint.
Exclusion criteria
- Documented diagnosis of chronic insomnia, or sleep onset insomnia based on Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
- Documented diagnosis of circadian rhythm disorder
- Any current use of supplemental oxygen
- Other sleep-related breathing disorders (central sleep apnea, etc.) based on American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria
- Current shift work involving night shift (regular work between 12am and 6am or night shift) within the past 6 months
- Anticipated scheduled bariatric surgery within the next 3 months
- Chronic regular (\> 2 nights per week) use of any sedative, stimulant, neuroleptic drugs, or other medications limiting validity of cognitive tests. This includes regular use of alcohol or marijuana for sleep. Melatonin is ok.
- Diagnosis of uncontrolled psychiatric disease in the last six months, and/or history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Controlled conditions will include major depressive disorder, panic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, and alcohol abuse/dependence. Personality disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism, ADHD) are allowed if cognition is within normal limits.
- Taking methylphenidate for ADHD.
- Presence of other critical comorbid conditions that would lead to inability to complete the study protocol (including follow-up for 2 years), or that would affect cognition (e.g. clinically relevant endocrine or hematological conditions).
- Chronic regular (\> 2 nights per week) use of stimulant if unable to complete a washout prior to MRI.
- Does not have a regular sleeping environment (i.e., sleeps in a different setting \> 2 nights per week).
- Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Prior diagnosis of a Central nervous system (CNS) disease, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, a loss of consciousness \> 24 hours, or traumatic brain injury as identified by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS). Participants who are diagnosed with Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease based on neuropsychological testing will be excluded. Delirium in the last 12 months.
- Near-miss or prior automobile accident "due to sleepiness" within the past 12 months.
- Employed as a commercial driver during the study (for example, bus drivers, train engineers, airplane pilots) or construction worker.
- Past intolerance or hypersensitivity to tPBM.
- Significant skin conditions (i.e., hemangioma, scleroderma, psoriasis, rash, open wound or tattoo) on the subject's scalp that are found in the area of the procedure sites.
- Any use of light-activated drugs (photodynamic therapy) within 14 days prior to study enrollment.
- Any type of implants in the head, whose functioning might be affected by tPBM (e.g., stent, clipped aneurysm, embolized arteriovenous malformation (AVM), implantable shunt - Hakim valve).
- Failure to meet standard MRI safety requirements (e.g., claustrophobia, non-removable piercings, implanted medical devices, other non-removable metals) as determined by the MRI Safety Checklist.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations