Exploring how sleep patterns in adolescents affect their risk for substance use.
Determining the role of adolescent sleep and circadian factors on risk for substance use in a rat model
This study looks at how sleep habits and body clocks in teenagers might affect their chances of developing problems with drugs, using rats to help understand these connections so we can find better ways to support young people in staying healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892099 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between adolescent sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and the risk of developing substance use disorders. Using a rat model, the study examines how variations in sleep and circadian preferences may influence brain development and behavior related to drug use. The goal is to understand how chronic sleep disturbances and misalignment with societal schedules can impact adolescents differently, potentially leading to targeted interventions. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to provide insights that could help prevent substance abuse in young people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing sleep disturbances or are at risk for substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or do not have issues related to sleep or substance use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing substance use disorders in adolescents by addressing sleep and circadian issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the link between sleep patterns and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torregrossa, Mary M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Torregrossa, Mary M
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 below.