Why opioid withdrawal causes sleep problems
Mechanistic studies of opiate withdrawal-induced sleep disturbances
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11323602
Researchers are looking at how specific brain cells in the locus coeruleus cause insomnia in people withdrawing from opioids.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on why many people with opioid use disorder have trouble sleeping when they stop using opioids. Scientists will target wake-active neurons in a brain region called the locus coeruleus using advanced cell-labeling and genetic tools to record and change their activity. They will study how chronic morphine and spontaneous withdrawal alter these neurons' function and molecular makeup and will test whether inputs from another brainstem area can reduce the sleep disturbance. The work combines neural recordings, cell-specific manipulations, and molecular mapping to pinpoint circuits and genes involved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with opioid use disorder who experience sleep problems during withdrawal would be the most relevant group for clinical follow-up or future trials based on this research.
Not a fit: People without opioid use disorder or those whose insomnia stems from unrelated medical or psychiatric causes may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new treatment targets to reduce insomnia during opioid withdrawal and help lower relapse risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked the locus coeruleus to arousal and withdrawal symptoms, but applying modern cell-specific and molecular mapping methods to withdrawal-related sleep problems is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
OMAHA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER — OMAHA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHONG, PENG — UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZHONG, PENG
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 below.