How sex and hormones affect alcohol's impact on sleep in adults
Official title: Sex and Sex Hormone Factors Influencing Acute Alcohol Effects on Sleep Physiology
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11606504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how sex and hormone changes influence how alcohol disrupts sleep in healthy adults, with a focus on women aged 21-45.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $462,361 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AA030308-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11606504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Healthy women aged 21-45 and healthy men of the same age range who are willing to participate in alcohol administration sessions and sleep monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not consume alcohol or have sleep disorders not related to alcohol may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
Researchers at Ohio State University will examine how being male or female, menstrual-cycle phase, and sex hormones affect alcohol-related sleep disruption in healthy adults aged 21 to 45. Participants will complete two sessions where they receive a measured dose of alcohol and their sleep patterns are monitored. The study aims to reveal whether hormonal status makes women more sensitive to alcohol's effects on sleep compared with men, informing gender-specific guidance for safer drinking and sleep health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to better personalized recommendations for women to minimize sleep disruption from alcohol and improve overall sleep health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows sex and hormonal factors influence sleep and alcohol effects, with some evidence suggesting women may be more sensitive to alcohol-related sleep disruption; this study extends that work across the reproductive lifespan.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weafer, Jessica J — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Weafer, Jessica J
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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.