Understanding why some people experience blackouts from alcohol consumption

Identifying the Neurophysiological Phenotypes that Contribute to Alcohol-Related Blackout Susceptibility

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10997778

This study is looking at why some people are more likely to blackout after drinking alcohol, focusing on how genetics and certain sleep issues might play a role, and it uses brain activity tests to help understand these differences better.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997778 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neurophysiological factors that contribute to why certain individuals are more susceptible to experiencing blackouts after consuming alcohol. It focuses on the role of genetic predispositions and specific sleep disorders, particularly those related to motor arousal during sleep, in influencing blackout risk. By analyzing brain activity patterns through EEG, the study aims to identify unique neurophysiological phenotypes associated with blackout susceptibility. This could lead to a better understanding of individual differences in alcohol-related risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced alcohol-related blackouts or have a history of sleep disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have never experienced blackouts are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify individuals at higher risk for alcohol-related blackouts, potentially leading to targeted prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of neurophysiological factors in blackout susceptibility is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding individual variability in alcohol-related risks.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.