Exploring how cannabis use affects sleep patterns and circadian rhythms
Official title: Investigating the bidirectional relationship between circadian rhythms and cannabinoid use
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11134725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis regularly might affect your sleep and body clock, and it’s for people who want to understand how their cannabis use could be impacting their sleep patterns.
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 | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,883 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061227-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use cannabis and experience sleep disturbances or are at risk for cannabis use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or have no sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between cannabis use and circadian rhythms, particularly how chronic cannabis use may disrupt sleep patterns. It aims to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link cannabinoid effects to sleep disturbances and circadian dysfunction. By examining the interaction between cannabinoids and the body's internal clock, the study seeks to uncover how these factors influence each other and contribute to conditions like cannabis use disorder. Patients may be involved in assessments that explore their sleep quality and cannabis use habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sleep disorders and cannabis use disorder by providing insights into how to better manage these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between cannabinoids and sleep has been explored, this specific investigation into the bidirectional effects on circadian rhythms is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ketchesin, Kyle — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ketchesin, Kyle
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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.