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Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine & Physiology Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine & Physiology

Open Research Studies

Seeking Volunteer Subjects

We are currently looking for:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): If you have been diagnosed with or suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): If you have been diagnosed with COPD.
  • Opioids: If you have chronic pain and are using opiods on a daily basis.
  • CPAP Intolerance: If you are using CPAP therapy but struggle to use device more than 5 hours/night.

If you are interested in participating or have questions about our active studies, contact us at: sleepresearch@health.ucsd.edu or (858) 246-2154. If you would like to be contacted for a future study, join our registry and we'll add you to our list of potential future subjects.

Active Study Details

See the studies we're currently working on and recruiting participants for: 

Active Study Details
Study Name and Survey Link Research Details
Obstructive Sleep Apnea's Role in Alzheimer's Disease (ALZ)

We will study how obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to the potential risk of Alzheimer's disease.

  • Involves 1 daytime visit, 1 overnight, 3-month treatment trial (either CPAP or oxygen therapy) 
  • Compensation: Up to $665 
The Cardiovascular Consequences of Sleep Apnea plus COPD (Overlap Syndrome) (CRESCENDO)

We will study cardiovascular risk in participants with OSA, COPD or both diseases (Overlap Syndrome) and assess whether oxygen or bi-level therapy is a better treatment.

  • Involves 1 daytime visit, 1 overnight, and 1 cardiac MRI  
  • Compensation: $275 
Managing Opioid Related Sleep Apnea with Acetazolamide (MORPHO) 

We will study whether acetazolamide may help relive unstable breathing and if treatment has a positive effect on sleep and pain perception in people using opiods on a daily basis. 

  • Involves up to 3 overnights, 1 daytime visit, and a 4-week medication trial (acetazolamide and placebo) 
  • Compensation: $200-$750 
Do Endotypes Predict Response and Sequelae in OSA Patients (ExPRESSION)

We will investigate various endotypes (unique mechanisms) of OSA and the effectiveness of treatments such as eszopiclone, supplemental oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy.

  • Involves 2-3 daytime visits, 1 overnight, and 8-week CPAP treatment trial  
  • Compensation: Up to $550 
Patient-centered and Neurocognitive Outcomes with Acetazolamide for Sleep Apnea (PANACEA) We will compare effects of acetazolamide on OSA severity, neurocognitive function, and quality of life with a placebo to see if acetazolamide may be effective treatment for select OSA patients. 
  • Involves 2 daytime visits, 2 overnights, 4-week medication trial on acetazolamide, and 4-week trial of placebo 
  • Compensation: Up to $810 
Endotype-Targeted Therapy to Rescue OSA Patients Struggling with CPAP Adherence (TOP-CPAP)

We will assess whether eszopiclone can help patients (who struggle with CPAP) tolerate treatment for longer periods of sleep.

  • Involves 2 overnights, 1 daytime visit, 2 weeks on study medication or placebo, and weekly phone calls.  
  • Compensation: Up to $600  
Time Restricted Eating in Sleep Apnea (TERESA) 

We will study the effects of time-restricted eating on glucose levels and sleep apnea.  

  • Involves 4 daytime visits, 12 weeks of either time-restricted or standard eating, and 2 weeks wearing actigraphy/CGM at start and end of study.  
  • Compensation: $360 
Breakthrough Research in Electromyography for the Assessment of Sleep-disordered BreaTHing (BREATH STTR)

We will assess whether if transmembranous EMG (tmEMG) can diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 

  • Involves 2 Night Home Sleep test, Day Visit, and follow-up phone call
  • Compensation: $250
woman sleeping in white sheets amidst vibrant green palms

Volunteer for Research

Want to participate as a research subject? Look at our active studies to find out what we're working on, and see if you'd be interested — or, fill out our volunteer registry form and we'll find the right study for you!

Join the Registry