NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2019
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01CX001814-07
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.