Impact of sleep disruption on medication response in back pain

Effects of Sleep Disruption on Drug Response

Phase 2 Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT03680287

This study is testing how a night of poor sleep affects how well pain medication works for people with chronic low back pain compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT03680287 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how sleep disruption affects the subjective response to medication in individuals with chronic low back pain compared to healthy controls. It employs a mixed between-within randomized crossover design, where participants will receive blinded medication after one night of uninterrupted sleep and after one night of sleep disruption. The study focuses on two main outcomes: the potential for drug abuse and the response to standardized pain testing. The researchers aim to understand how these responses may differ based on the presence of chronic pain and the participant's sex.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-60 with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of chronic low back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical or psychiatric conditions, or a history of opioid use disorder, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies that consider the impact of sleep on medication efficacy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that sleep can significantly impact pain perception and medication response, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

General Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-60 years old
* Less than 2 servings/day of caffeinated beverages and willing to discontinue 3 days prior to admission.

CLBP-Specific Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a physician-confirmed diagnosis of CLBP
* Report chronic low back pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

General Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI \>40
* Significant medical or psychiatric morbidity within 6 months or lifetime history of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, seizure disorder
* Lifetime history of opioid use disorder
* Clinically significant abnormal complete blood count or comprehensive metabolic profile
* Any contraindicated medical condition (status asthmaticus; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; reduced respiratory function; hypotension; hypertension; impairment of hepatic, pulmonary or renal functions; myxedema or hyperthyroidism; adrenocortical insufficiency; gastrointestinal obstruction; gall bladder disease; acute alcoholism; history of convulsive disorders; history of head injury)
* Current use of stimulants, opioids, benzodiazepines or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant
* Positive toxicology screen for opioids, stimulants, or recreational drugs
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Significant preadmission psychological distress.

Healthy Control and CLBP-Specific Exclusion Criteria:

* Report current medical/psychiatry history
* Report acute painful injury (within 3 months)
* Have a diagnosed chronic pain disorder.

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Pain, RecurrentHealthy
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.