Investigating how sleep disruption affects pain relief and opioid use risk.
Official title: Effects of experimental sleep disruption and fragmentation on cerebral Mu-opioid receptor function, Mu-opioid receptor agonist analgesia, and abuse liability.
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11140118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trouble sleeping might lead to more pain and problems with using pain medications, and it's for people who want to understand how their sleep affects their pain and medication use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,136,433 |
| NIH project number | 4U01HL150568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adults over 21 who experience chronic pain or are at risk for opioid use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with sleep disturbances or opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between sleep disturbances and the risk of chronic pain and opioid use disorders (OUD). It focuses on how experimental sleep disruption impacts the function of mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which are crucial for pain relief and the rewarding effects of opioids. By examining these effects, the study aims to uncover potential neurobiological mechanisms that link poor sleep to increased pain and opioid misuse. Participants may undergo assessments related to their sleep patterns and pain responses to better understand these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating chronic pain and opioid use disorders by addressing sleep issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that sleep disturbances can influence pain perception and opioid response, suggesting that this investigation builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Michael T — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Michael T
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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.