Creating a mobile app to help improve sleep for people in opioid treatment
Official title: Development of an mHealth Behavioral Sleep Medicine Intervention for use during Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11059056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a friendly mobile app to help people in opioid treatment who struggle with sleep problems like insomnia and nightmares, making it easier for them to access helpful tools right from their phones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $151,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA058511-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals beginning medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder who are experiencing sleep problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder or do not have sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a mobile health application that provides behavioral treatments for sleep issues faced by individuals undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The app will address common sleep problems such as insomnia and nightmares, which are prevalent among those receiving treatment. By utilizing a smartphone application, the research seeks to make these evidence-based interventions more accessible, overcoming barriers like the need for in-person sessions and the shortage of trained providers. The app will be tailored specifically for the needs of patients in opioid treatment, ensuring it is user-friendly and effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve sleep quality and overall treatment outcomes for patients undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using mobile health applications for behavioral interventions, indicating a promising approach for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkerson, Allison — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wilkerson, Allison
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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.