Investigating how sleep disruption affects pain relief and opioid use risk.

Effects of experimental sleep disruption and fragmentation on cerebral Mu-opioid receptor function, Mu-opioid receptor agonist analgesia, and abuse liability.

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11140118

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 typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11140118 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adults over 21 who experience chronic pain or are at risk for opioid use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with sleep disturbances or opioid use may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, 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 2026-06-13 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.