Using CPAP to improve recovery after stroke
Official title: Sleep for Stroke Management And Recovery Trial (Sleep SMART)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11164536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea can help people who have had a stroke recover better and avoid having another stroke in the next six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $6,179,571 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS099043-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA and are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or TIA, or those without obstructive sleep apnea, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on recovery and prevention of further strokes in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). The study aims to determine if CPAP therapy can reduce the risk of recurrent strokes, acute coronary syndrome, and overall mortality within six months after the initial event. By employing a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial design, the research will assess both the prevention of future strokes and the improvement of recovery outcomes at three months post-stroke. This approach is based on previous observational studies that suggest CPAP may significantly enhance post-stroke care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery outcomes and reduced risk of recurrent strokes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea after a stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational studies and pilot trials have shown promising results regarding the benefits of CPAP therapy in stroke recovery, indicating a potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Devin L — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Brown, Devin L
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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.