How opioid medications affect sleep and circadian rhythms

Medications for opioid use disorder differentially modulate intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell function, sleep, and circadian rhythms: implications for treatment

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10932225

This study looks at how medications for opioid use disorder might affect your sleep and body clock, focusing on special cells in your eyes that help control when you sleep and wake up, to find clues that could help predict recovery and prevent relapse.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932225 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) influence sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. It focuses on the role of specific retinal cells that are involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and how these cells may be affected by opioid medications. By examining the relationship between opioid treatment and sleep disruption, the study aims to identify biomarkers that could help predict recovery and relapse in patients. The approach combines clinical assessments with advanced electrophysiological techniques to understand these interactions better.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder who experience sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who do not experience sleep issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with opioid use disorder by addressing sleep-related issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the relationship between opioid medications and sleep can lead to better management strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.