Investigating how breathing control during sleep can reduce breathing problems linked to opioid use.

Targeting Chemoreceptor Control of Breathing during Sleep to Mitigate Opioid-Associated Sleep Disordered Breathing

NIH-funded research John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-11090322

This study is looking at how long-term use of prescription painkillers called opioids can affect your breathing while you sleep, especially if you have issues like sleep apnea, and it aims to find ways to help improve your breathing with treatments like extra oxygen or a specific medication.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohn D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-11090322 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how chronic use of prescription opioids affects breathing during sleep, particularly in relation to sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and central sleep apnea (CSA). The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which opioids disrupt normal breathing patterns and to evaluate potential treatments, such as hyperoxia and acetazolamide, that could improve breathing control. By examining the body's response to carbon dioxide and the effects of these interventions, the research seeks to develop personalized therapies for individuals affected by these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are chronic users of prescription opioids and experience sleep disordered breathing.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or do not have sleep disordered breathing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of complications for patients using opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting breathing control mechanisms can be effective in treating sleep disordered breathing, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, 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 2026-06-15 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.