Using suvorexant to improve sleep in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Suvorexant: A Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist for Treating Sleep Disturbance inPosttraumatic Stress
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-11121723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called suvorexant can help veterans with PTSD get better sleep and feel less anxious, by targeting the brain's sleep and memory systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX001814-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who experience significant sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or those whose sleep disturbances are not related to PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of suvorexant, a medication that blocks orexin receptors, to alleviate sleep disturbances commonly experienced by veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to understand how this medication can improve sleep quality and reduce hyperarousal symptoms associated with PTSD. By focusing on the orexin neuropeptide system, which plays a role in both sleep regulation and emotional memory, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option compared to traditional sleep medications that often have undesirable side effects. Participants will be monitored for changes in sleep patterns and overall PTSD symptoms throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sleep quality and reduced PTSD symptoms for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using orexin receptor antagonists for sleep disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in PTSD treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inslicht, Sabra — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Inslicht, Sabra
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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.