Investigating how the orexin system affects opioid use disorder and insomnia
Official title: Neurofunctional phenotyping to investigate the role of the orexin system at the intersection of opioid use disorder and insomnia
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10977684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with sleep and opioid use disorder are connected, and it aims to find new ways to help people who struggle with both issues by understanding how certain brain systems work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $761,711 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059483-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing opioid use disorder and comorbid insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or insomnia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between opioid use disorder (OUD) and insomnia, focusing on how the orexin system in the brain influences both conditions. By using a specialized assessment tool, the NIDA Phenotyping Battery, researchers aim to identify various neurofunctional profiles in individuals with OUD. The study will examine how these profiles relate to sleep and emotional responses, potentially leading to new treatment strategies that address both OUD and insomnia simultaneously. Patients participating in this research may undergo assessments and interventions that target their specific neurofunctional needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder and insomnia, ultimately reducing overdose risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the orexin system for treating addiction-related behaviors in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Caitlin Eileen — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Martin, Caitlin Eileen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How sleep and the brain's orexin system affect recovery while on buprenorphine
This project tests whether targeting the brain's orexin system can improve sleep and lower relapse risk for people taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
-
Understanding how the brain’s orexin system links sleep, mood, and opioid use disorder
Scientists will study how the orexin system in the brain relates to insomnia and relapse risk in adults with opioid use disorder who are on buprenorphine treatment.
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Sleep therapy tailored for adults in opioid treatment
A tailored cognitive-behavioral sleep program aims to help adults with opioid use disorder and insomnia sleep better and stay in medication treatment.
-
Suvorexant to improve sleep in people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder
People on medications for opioid use disorder who have insomnia will be given suvorexant or a placebo to see if it helps their sleep, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.
-
Connecting Sleep and Opioid Use Disorder through Brain Chemistry
This project looks at how a brain system called orexin connects sleep problems and opioid use disorder, hoping to find new ways to help people.
-
Testing a medication to improve sleep in people with opioid use disorder
This study is looking at whether the sleep medication suvorexant can help people with opioid use disorder who are in long-term treatment by improving their sleep and possibly easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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.