How Opioids Affect the Eye's Role in Sleep
Opioid Modulation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Providing Photoentrainment of the Circadian Clock
This research explores how opioid medications might disrupt our sleep patterns by affecting special light-sensing cells in the eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132998 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people who take opioid pain medications experience sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. These sleep issues, called opioid-induced sleep disorders (OISDs), can worsen other health problems. Our eyes have unique cells that sense light and help set our body's natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian clock. This project aims to understand how opioids interact with these eye cells, potentially interfering with how our bodies respond to light and regulate sleep. By uncovering this connection, we hope to find new ways to help people manage OISDs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients experiencing sleep disorders as a side effect of opioid medication use.
Not a fit: Patients who do not take opioid medications or do not experience related sleep disturbances would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of opioid-induced sleep disorders and potentially new treatments to improve sleep for those taking opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has already shown that opioids can directly affect the light-sensing cells in the eye and alter sleep-wake rhythms in animal models.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vigh, Jozsef — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Vigh, Jozsef
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.