Exploring new treatments for sleep problems caused by chronic pain
Official title: Investigating NOP agonists as a novel treatment for chronic pain-associated sleep disruptions
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11164282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new type of medication might help people with chronic pain sleep better, since many pain treatments don’t solve sleep problems, and it uses a rodent model to see how these medications work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2025 |
| Project end | April 20, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA063322-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who also experience sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how NOP receptor agonists can help improve sleep disruptions in patients suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain affects millions and often leads to significant sleep issues that traditional pain medications do not adequately address. The study uses a rodent model to analyze the effects of current pain medications and NOP agonists on sleep quality and pain sensitivity. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to develop better treatment options for those struggling with both chronic pain and sleep disturbances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate both chronic pain and associated sleep problems, improving overall quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using NOP agonists for pain management, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pierce, Bethany Elliott — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pierce, Bethany Elliott
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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.