Effects of cannabis on sleep and circadian rhythms in young adults
Official title: Cannabis effects on sleep, circadian rhythms, and light sensitivity in young people
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11115659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis affects sleep and body clocks in young adults aged 18-25, by tracking their sleep patterns for a week while they use cannabis and then for four weeks after they stop, to see how it all connects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $452,234 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061223-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 who report regular cannabis use and experience sleep issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are outside the age range of 18-25 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cannabis use affects sleep patterns and circadian rhythms in young adults aged 18-25. Participants will be monitored over a week while using cannabis regularly, followed by a four-week period of cannabis discontinuation. The study aims to understand the relationship between cannabis use, sleep quality, and light sensitivity, utilizing advanced sleep monitoring techniques. By examining these factors, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of cannabis's impact on sleep.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for sleep disorders in young adults who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of cannabis on sleep, but this specific investigation into circadian rhythms and photosensitivity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasler, Brant P. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hasler, Brant P.
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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.