Understanding how sleep patterns affect cravings for fentanyl
Official title: Novel roles for the circadian transcription factor NPAS2 and striatal dopamine D3 receptor signaling in diurnal fentanyl craving and relapse
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11133020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems might make people with opioid use disorder crave fentanyl more, and it’s exploring a protein that helps control our sleep-wake cycles to see how it affects brain signals related to cravings, with the hope of finding ways to improve sleep and reduce those cravings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,181 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061243-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who experience significant sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those without sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep disturbances and cravings for fentanyl in individuals with opioid use disorder. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, NPAS2, which is involved in regulating circadian rhythms and how it affects dopamine signaling in the brain. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how disruptions in sleep can lead to increased cravings and relapse into opioid use. The findings could help develop targeted interventions to improve sleep and reduce cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help manage cravings and reduce relapse rates in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between circadian rhythms and substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Logan, Ryan W — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Logan, Ryan W
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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.