How sleep disorders affect chronic pain development
Official title: Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia and Hyperalgesic Priming
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11052528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems like obstructive sleep apnea might lead to long-lasting pain, and it’s for anyone who struggles with sleep issues and chronic pain, as it hopes to find new ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128574-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from sleep disorders, particularly those experiencing chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sleep disorders or those not experiencing chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, and the development of chronic pain. It aims to understand how intermittent hypoxia, a condition caused by disrupted breathing during sleep, may lead to increased pain sensitivity through changes in immune cell behavior. By using a rodent model that simulates these sleep conditions, the study seeks to uncover the biological mechanisms involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain. The ultimate goal is to find ways to alleviate persistent pain in individuals suffering from sleep disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic pain in patients with sleep disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep disorders and pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeske, Nathaniel Aaron — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Jeske, Nathaniel Aaron
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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.