NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how sleep and circadian rhythms affect chronic pain conditions

Official title: Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances as risk and progression factors for multiple chronic pain conditions

Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11052623 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sleep problems affect people with chronic pain, especially those with low back pain, to find ways to improve treatment and prevention for everyone dealing with similar issues.

More Chronic Pain research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionArizona State University-Tempe Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tempe, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$608,267
NIH project number5R01NS129887-03
Project IDNIH-11052623 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic low back pain or other chronic overlapping pain conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have chronic pain conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic pain conditions, particularly focusing on chronic low back pain and other overlapping pain conditions. By examining how sleep and circadian rhythms influence pain perception and psychological distress, the study aims to identify common risk factors that could lead to better treatment and prevention strategies. The research will involve recruiting 300 participants to gather data on their sleep patterns and pain experiences, utilizing advanced monitoring techniques. The goal is to shift the focus from treating individual pain conditions to understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to multiple chronic pain conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals suffering from chronic pain by addressing sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing sleep disturbances can significantly improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
    Tempe, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mun, Chung Jung — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
  • Study coordinator: Mun, Chung Jung

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Sleep and daily rhythms as factors in chronic pain spread

    This NIH grant explores how sleep and circadian rhythm problems may influence the development and worsening of multiple chronic pain conditions in adults.

    NIH research Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · Scottsdale, United States · NIH-11332940

  • Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain

    A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.

    NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11621209

  • Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons

    A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615140

  • Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care

    Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615139

  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

    A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11609318

  • Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care

    This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11602241

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.