Exploring how sleep affects withdrawal from cannabis and alcohol use disorders

Understanding the Mechanistic Interrelationship between Sleep, Co-Occurring Cannabis and Alcohol Use Disorder, and Neurocircuit Dysfunction during Early Abstinence

NIH-funded research Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-10698188

This study is looking at how sleep problems might affect feelings and brain activity in people who are trying to quit using both cannabis and alcohol, and it will involve tracking 40 adults over a month to better understand these connections and help improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPalo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Palo Alto, United States)
Project IDNIH-10698188 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between sleep disturbances and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with co-occurring cannabis and alcohol use disorders. It aims to understand how changes in sleep patterns, particularly slow-wave sleep, relate to brain function and negative emotions during early abstinence. The study will involve monitoring 40 adults over a 28-day period to gather objective data on their sleep, brain activity, and withdrawal symptoms. By identifying these connections, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms that could inform treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing withdrawal from both cannabis and alcohol.

Not a fit: Patients who are not withdrawing from cannabis or alcohol, or those under 21 years of age, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for individuals struggling with cannabis and alcohol use disorders by addressing sleep-related issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing sleep disturbances can positively impact withdrawal symptoms, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Palo Alto, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.