Understanding how the orexin system affects sleep and stress in people recovering from opioid use disorder
Evaluating the Role of the Orexin System in Circadian Rhythms of Sleep and Stress in Persons on Medication-Assisted Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder
This study is looking at how a medication called suvorexant might help people in early recovery from opioid use disorder by improving their sleep and reducing stress, which can help them stay on track with their recovery.
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 ID | NIH-11137284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the orexin system in regulating sleep and stress responses in individuals undergoing medication-assisted treatments for opioid use disorder. It focuses on patients who are early in their recovery and may experience sleep disturbances and heightened stress, which can lead to relapse. The study will explore whether the FDA-approved medication suvorexant, which blocks orexin receptors, can improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes. By examining these relationships, the research aims to provide insights that could enhance treatment strategies for opioid use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with moderate to severe opioid use disorder who are early in their recovery and receiving medication-assisted treatments like methadone or extended-release naltrexone.
Not a fit: Patients who are not on medication-assisted treatments or those who do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sleep and stress management strategies for patients recovering from opioid use disorder, thereby reducing the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using orexin receptor antagonists to improve sleep and reduce stress in other populations, suggesting potential success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huhn, Andrew S — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Huhn, Andrew S
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 below.