Enhancing Sleep During Smoking Withdrawal
Researchers at Legacy Research Institute are conducting a study on sleep and tobacco use for adults who smoke and are open to reducing or abstaining.
Fast Facts
Have smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily for at least one year
18-55
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Portland, OR
Study Background
Exploring how sleep may support tobacco withdrawal and alertness
Legacy Research Institute is conducting a study to better understand how sleep and alertness are affected when individuals reduce or abstain from tobacco and nicotine products. The purpose of this study is to determine whether an FDA-approved medication, daridorexant—also called Quviviq—which helps treat insomnia in healthy individuals, can improve sleep and daytime alertness during smoking cessation. Another goal is to explore whether this therapy can support efforts to quit smoking.
Researchers will examine how taking daridorexant nightly over a 3-week period affects sleep quality, daytime alertness, smoking behavior, and cravings. Participation involves three short travel visits: (1) a blood test at any Quest Diagnostics lab; (2) a brief health screening at Legacy Good Samaritan, where participants will also pick up the study medication and sleep tracking device; and (3) a final visit to return the device.
Study Background
Exploring how sleep may support tobacco withdrawal and alertness
Legacy Research Institute is conducting a study to better understand how sleep and alertness are affected when individuals reduce or abstain from tobacco and nicotine products. The purpose of this study is to determine whether an FDA-approved medication, daridorexant—also called Quviviq—which helps treat insomnia in healthy individuals, can improve sleep and daytime alertness during smoking cessation. Another goal is to explore whether this therapy can support efforts to quit smoking.
Researchers will examine how taking daridorexant nightly over a 3-week period affects sleep quality, daytime alertness, smoking behavior, and cravings. Participation involves three short travel visits: (1) a blood test at any Quest Diagnostics lab; (2) a brief health screening at Legacy Good Samaritan, where participants will also pick up the study medication and sleep tracking device; and (3) a final visit to return the device.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand how sleep patterns and alertness are affected when individuals reduce or abstain from tobacco and nicotine products. Researchers hope to learn how sleep may support withdrawal and improve well-being during smoking cessation.
Inclusion Criteria
- Aged 18 to 55 years old
- Healthy weight (BMI <= 33)
- Have smoked half a pack of cigarettes (10+ cigarettes) daily for at least one year
- Willing to reduce or abstain from the following for 3 weeks:
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Cigarettes
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Smoking cessation aids (e.g., nicotine gum or patches)
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Smokeless tobacco
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Electronic cigarettes
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Able to complete online questionnaires and use a sleep-tracking device and iPhone-based alertness tests
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Available for three short travel visits
Exclusion Criteria
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Currently taking pharmaceutical drugs for smoking cessation, including:
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Nicotine patch or nicotine gum
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Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
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Varenicline (Chantix, Champix)
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Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking
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Currently using cannabis or alcohol for sleep
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Currently taking medications for insomnia, including:
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Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
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Zaleplon (Sonata)
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Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Zolpimist)
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Benzodiazepines or opioids
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Currently taking stimulants commonly used for ADHD, such as:
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Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana)
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Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse)
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Currently taking anti-seizure medications, including:
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Lamotrigine
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Pregabalin (Lyrica)
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Gabapentin (Neurontin, Horizant, Gralise)
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Have non-nicotine substance dependence, including:
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Diagnosed alcohol or cannabis use disorder
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Note: Current cannabis use is acceptable if it is not for sleep and does not meet criteria for substance use disorder. Past illicit drug use is acceptable if it occurred more than 2 months prior to testing and does not meet current diagnostic criteria.
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Have a major neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or any other serious neurological condition
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Have a history of serious psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or suicidality
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Experienced a stroke or head injury causing loss of consciousness longer than three minutes within the past year
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Have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy
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Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Have been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction
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Have engaged in variable shift work within the past month or traveled across more than one time zone in the past month
Phone Screening – Complete a brief call to determine eligibility.
Online Consent & Questionnaires – Fill out forms and surveys online.
Visit 1: Blood Draw – Travel to a Quest Diagnostics Lab for a blood sample.
Visit 2: Health Screen & Pickup – Attend a short in-person health check and receive study materials.
At-Home Study (3 Weeks + 2 Days) – Complete daily and weekly online questionnaires, track your sleep using a bedside device, and take short alertness tests on an iPhone.
Final Visit: Device Return – Return the sleep tracking device in person.
As a participant, you may receive up to $400, as well as a free consultation with a physician and free blood work (Complete Blood Count, Metabolic Panel, Thyroid Panel, HCG to test for pregnancy).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.