Understanding sleep problems during opiate withdrawal

Mechanistic studies of opiate withdrawal-induced sleep disturbances

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11136385

This study is looking into why people with Opioid Use Disorder have trouble sleeping when they are going through withdrawal, and it hopes to find ways to improve their sleep by understanding how certain brain cells work during this time.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11136385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the sleep disturbances experienced by patients with Opioid Use Disorder during withdrawal. It aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms and specific brain circuits involved in these sleep issues. By using advanced neuroscience techniques, the study will focus on the activity of certain neurons in the locus coeruleus, a brain region linked to arousal and withdrawal symptoms. The research will explore how these neurons behave during withdrawal and whether targeting them can help alleviate sleep problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder who are experiencing sleep disturbances during withdrawal.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing opiate withdrawal or do not have Opioid Use Disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve sleep quality for individuals undergoing opiate withdrawal.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting specific brain circuits can improve sleep disturbances, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

OMAHA, 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 →

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.