PAP treatment for veterans with PTSD and substance use disorder

Examining Early Intervention Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment on Long-Term Outcomes in Veterans With SUD/PTSD in a Residential Treatment Program

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05156112

This study tests if using a breathing device for sleep apnea can help veterans with PTSD and substance use issues stick to their treatment and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment194 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05156112 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in veterans who are undergoing residential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). It compares the outcomes of veterans receiving PAP therapy to those on a waitlist control group. The study aims to determine if treating OSA can improve overall treatment adherence and outcomes for veterans struggling with these co-occurring conditions. Given the high comorbidity of OSA with PTSD and SUD, this approach seeks to enhance recovery during a critical time in the veterans' treatment journey.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of PTSD and substance use disorder who also have obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients with central sleep apnea or those already using a PAP device prior to the study may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life and recovery outcomes for veterans suffering from PTSD and substance use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in treating OSA in populations with PTSD and SUD, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* a Veteran of the U.S. military or Reserve/National Guard member
* at least 18 years of age
* have an AHI 5 per hour
* experienced trauma that occurred in childhood or adulthood; at least one month post-trauma
* have current DSM-5 diagnoses of SUD via SCID-SUD module with a minimum 20 days of substance use in the last 90 days (Timeline Follow-back)
* Full PTSD diagnosis via clinician administered PTSD scale
* are literate in English
* are on the PTSD track of the SARRTP unit
* are capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* have central sleep apnea (AHI \>=5 and \> 50% central apneas)
* arrives on the SARRTP unit already using a PAP device (Veteran's previously diagnosed with OSA, but not using PAP therapy will be eligible)
* the SARRTP medical staff advises against the study based on medical history and physical examination; d) history of severe cognitive impairment (via MOCA \< 26)
* history of psychosis or mania independent of substance use will be excluded because the presence of these disorders can impede therapy progress

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

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 Post Traumatic Stress DisorderObstructive Sleep ApneaSubstance Use DisorderResidential Treatment ProgramVeteranPTSDPAP TreatmentResidential Treatment
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.