How chronic sleep deficiency affects bone health in aging adults

Chronic sleep deficiency as a cause of bone loss in aging

['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11060972

This study is looking at how not getting enough sleep can affect bone health in older adults, using rats to see how sleep loss might lead to weaker bones and more fractures, with hopes that the results will help us understand the importance of good sleep for our bones as we age.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11060972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of chronic sleep deficiency on bone health in aging adults. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which lack of sleep can lead to bone loss, fractures, and osteoporosis. Using a rat model, the study will expose male and female rats to chronic sleep restriction and analyze the resulting changes in bone quality and integrity over time. The findings could provide insights into how sleep patterns influence bone health in humans, particularly in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic sleep deficiency or are at risk for osteoporosis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to sleep deficiency or bone health may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing bone loss and fractures in aging adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that sleep quality significantly affects bone health, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

MILWAUKEE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.