Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, led by Dr. William “Scott” Killgore, are addressing sleep disorders in military personnel with a new approach backed by a $3 million Department of Defense grant. Traditional treatments have often been insufficient for this population, where up to 85% experience clinically relevant sleep issues, particularly insomnia. The team is developing a non-medication intervention using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target brain networks involved in sleep regulation. Preliminary studies suggest that brief sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation can suppress the default mode network (DMN)—a brain area that activates during internal thought processes and can exacerbate insomnia. Initial results indicated improvements in sleep after one session, prompting the launch of a larger three-year study involving 120 participants with chronic insomnia. This expanded research will assess the long-term benefits of repeated TMS treatments, monitored with advanced sleep tracking technology. Importantly, the study is informed by active-duty military consultants, enhancing its relevance and potential applications for military personnel, while also aiming to develop effective, drug-free treatment options for insomnia affecting both service members and civilians.
