Understanding Sleep, Falls, and Broken Bones in Older Adults

Sleep, Falls and Fractures in men and women: Role of nocturnal hypoxia

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11099667

This research looks at how sleep problems, especially breathing issues during sleep, might lead to falls and broken bones in older men and women.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11099667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many older adults experience falls and broken bones, which can significantly impact their health and independence. We know that sleep disturbances are also very common as people age. This project aims to understand if poor sleep, including conditions like sleep apnea where breathing stops briefly, increases the risk of these falls and fractures. We are carefully examining information from thousands of older men and women who have already participated in large health studies to find these connections. By identifying these links, we hope to discover new ways to help prevent falls and fractures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant to older men and women who experience sleep disturbances and are at risk for falls and fractures.

Not a fit: Younger individuals or those without sleep issues or a risk of falls and fractures may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify new ways to prevent falls and broken bones in older adults by addressing sleep-related risk factors.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon data from two large, well-established studies that have already collected extensive health information from older adults.

Where this research is happening

PITTSBURGH, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.