Examining how disruptions in sleep patterns during pregnancy affect substance use in offspring
Official title: Investigating the long-term effects of prenatal circadian rhythm disruption on substance use-related disorders
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11245825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in sleep patterns during pregnancy, like those caused by shift work, might affect kids later in life, especially regarding their chances of developing substance use issues, and it aims to find ways to help families impacted by these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,996 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DA055064-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11245825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who have a history of substance use and whose mothers experienced significant disruptions in their sleep patterns during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use or whose mothers did not experience circadian rhythm disruptions during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of prenatal circadian rhythm disruptions on the likelihood of developing substance use disorders in offspring. It focuses on how environmental factors, such as shift work, can alter sleep patterns during pregnancy and subsequently impact the health and behavior of children as they grow. By studying both animal models and human populations, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these effects and identify potential interventions. The study will measure various outcomes related to substance use and behavioral health in adults who were exposed to prenatal circadian disruptions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for substance use disorders in individuals affected by prenatal circadian disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that circadian rhythm disruptions can lead to negative health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Depoy, Lauren Marie — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Depoy, Lauren Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How prenatal disruption of day–night cycles may raise risk for later substance use
This project tests whether being exposed before birth to disrupted day–night cycles makes people more likely to develop substance use or mood problems as they grow up.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Preventing Suicide Among Teens Who Use Substances in School Settings
Aims to see if how schools respond to substance-use incidents (like alcohol or drugs) can lower suicide risk among high‑risk students.
-
People and Place: How geography affects HIV care and substance use in Los Angeles
Aims to understand how where you live in LA affects HIV care and substance use, and to adapt a proven intervention to help PLWH who use substances connect with better care.
-
A crowdsourced, survivor-led approach to boost HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose-prevention service use for sex trafficking survivors in NYC
A NYC-based study tests a survivor-driven digital messaging approach and at-home tests to help sex trafficking survivors increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and use overdose-prevention resources.
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.