How sleep and circadian rhythms affect substance use risk in adolescents

Circadian rhythms, sleep, and substance use risk during adolescence: Observational, experimental, and longitudinal studies

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10892096

This study is looking at how sleep habits and body clocks affect the chances of teens aged 12 to 20 using drugs or alcohol, and it will test if improving their sleep can help lower that risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10892096 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and the risk of substance use in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It aims to understand how disruptions in sleep and circadian traits during this critical developmental period can increase vulnerability to substance use disorders. The study will involve monitoring sleep patterns in adolescents and testing interventions that manipulate sleep and circadian rhythms to see if these changes can reduce the risk of substance use. Participants will undergo home sleep monitoring followed by laboratory assessments to evaluate their cognitive and behavioral responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing sleep disturbances or are at risk for substance use.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those with established substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents by targeting sleep and circadian rhythm factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting sleep and circadian rhythms can positively influence behavioral outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.