A device to improve sleep for people with substance use disorder
Official title: Head-worn low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device for enhancing sleep in substance use disorder (SUD)
Funded at Attune Neurosciences, INC. · NIH-11069324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special headband that uses gentle ultrasound to help people with substance use disorder, especially those struggling with opioid use, get better sleep and feel less anxious about it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Attune Neurosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,739 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA062460-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder, particularly those experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorder or those without significant sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a head-worn low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device designed to enhance sleep quality in individuals suffering from substance use disorder (SUD). The approach focuses on addressing the chronic sleep dysfunction that often accompanies SUD, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), which can lead to relapse. By utilizing non-pharmacological methods, the device aims to improve sleep architecture and reduce anxiety related to sleep disturbances. Participants will be monitored for changes in sleep patterns and overall recovery outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve sleep quality for patients with substance use disorder, potentially reducing relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of focused ultrasound for sleep enhancement is a novel approach, similar non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise in improving sleep quality in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Attune Neurosciences, INC.
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahadevan, Rajiv — Attune Neurosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mahadevan, Rajiv
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.