Improving sleep and reducing opioid use in people with chronic pain
Official title: Improving Sleep and Reducing Opioid Use in Individuals with Chronic Pain
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11091634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how better sleep can help people with chronic pain use fewer opioid medications, using a friendly therapy called cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia to improve sleep and manage pain more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,856 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054311-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain who also experience insomnia and are currently using opioids for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or insomnia, or those who are not currently using opioids, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how improving sleep quality can help individuals with chronic pain reduce their reliance on opioid medications. It focuses on the relationship between sleep disturbances, pain severity, and brain activation patterns in patients suffering from chronic pain and insomnia. The study will utilize cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) as a potential intervention to enhance sleep and decrease arousal, which may lead to better pain management and facilitate a gradual tapering of opioid use. By addressing these interconnected issues, the research aims to provide a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that reduce the need for opioids, enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia can improve sleep and pain management, but this specific approach of combining it with opioid tapering is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccrae, Christina S — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Mccrae, Christina S
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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.