Currently-Recruiting Research Studies

The Hypersomnia Foundation’s International Registry at CoRDS

Have IH or a related disorder? Be sure to participate in (and keep updating) the Hypersomnia Foundation’s registry at CoRDS (Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford). NOW RECRUITING people with IH and all related disorders INTERNATIONALLY! CLICK HERE for more information and to enroll or update. CoRDS is also listed at ClinicalTrials.gov.

And check out some initial results from the registry:

• 2018 Trotti et al, Self-Reported Sleep Inertia in the Hypersomnia Foundation Registry.
• 2020 Trotti et al, IH Symptom and Treatment Insights From the HF Patient Registry.

Pregnancy and Medication Registries

NOW RECRUITING pregnant people. If you are taking (or plan to take) any medication while pregnant, we strongly encourage you to participate in Pregnancy Registries to help further knowledge about medication safety during pregnancy. You can find a list of these Pregnancy Registries in the U.S. HERE. For pregnancy registries in other countries, ask your doctor(s) to direct you (and then please share this information with the HF at ). See also HF’s web page Parenthood and Pregnancy: Considerations for People Who Have Hypersomnias.

The Nuvigil and Provigil Pregnancy Registry is NOW RECRUITING pregnant people with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder in the U.S.: CLICK HERE.

A Web-Based Observational Study of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults With Narcolepsy

This is the Nexus Narcolepsy registry, a joint venture of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Narcolepsy Network, and Wake Up Narcolepsy. See ClinicalTrials.gov. NOW RECRUITING people with narcolepsy (both with and without cataplexy) INTERNATIONALLY: CLICK HERE to register.

Zevra Therapeutics (formerly KemPharm): A Clinical Study in Adults With Idiopathic Hypersomnia

NOW ENROLLING adults (18 and over) with IH: CLICK HERE.

Zevra Therapeutics (formerly KemPharm) has initiated the KP1077.D01 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SDX, an investigational medication for treating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people with idiopathic hypersomnia age 18 years or older. SDX has a unique, slow release profile that could potentially provide stable control of sleepiness throughout the day, with low abuse potential.

In this study, researchers will evaluate the safety of the medication and its effect on symptoms and severity of IH, including the effect on EDS, sleep inertia (difficulty of waking up in the morning), and brain fog (lack of focus and mental clarity; forgetfulness and confusion).

This clinical study consists of the following:

• Initial screening period during which eligibility criteria will be evaluated, including a confirmation of patient’s IH diagnosis, if needed and during which trial participants will need to wash out all current medications.
• A five-week dose optimization phase in which all eligible study participants will receive SDX.
• A two-week double-blind randomized withdrawal phase in which study participants and physicians will not be aware of who is receiving SDX or placebo (a tablet that does not contain study drug).

Patients will be reimbursed for their participation, including coverage of travel costs to the clinical sites for all their clinic visits that are part of the clinical trial. Participants can talk to the staff of their clinical site to facilitate travel arrangements and reimbursements.

Adults (18 years of age or older) who meet the following criteria may be eligible to participate:

• Diagnosed with IH. Patients with symptoms of IH but not yet diagnosed by their doctor may also be eligible; their diagnosis will be checked in the screening period of the trial.
• Able to give informed consent.
• Have excessive daytime sleepiness as measured by sleepiness questionnaires.
• Agree to wash out all current medications that may affect daytime sleepiness or nighttime sleep.
• Are not pregnant, or do not plan to get pregnant or breastfeed during the study.

This is not a complete list of eligibility criteria. The study doctor will review all the requirements with potential participants.

For additional details about the study and enrollment, visit clincaltrials.gov (NCT05668754) or e-mail:

A Study to Learn How Family Members Are Affected by IH and Narcolepsy

NOW RECRUITING adults (18 and over) with a family member with IH or narcolepsy:  CLICK HERE

The Behavioral Sleep Medicine Lab at Northwestern University is seeking participants for their EXPLAIN Study (Examination of Partners and Loved Ones of Adults with Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy), to learn how family members are affected by their loved one’s IH/narcolepsy, how family members provide support, and the types of support family members themselves need.

You may be eligible if:

• You are an adult (18 or older).
• Your partner or adult family member has IH or narcolepsy.

Eligible volunteers will be asked to complete an online survey that will take approximately 15 minutes.

Participants will not receive any compensation.

For more information, visit the EXPLAIN Study website or contact them via email  or phone at 312-503-4769.

Principal Investigator: Jennifer Mundt, PhD / STU00216960

Pathophysiology of Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia: a Multimodal Neuroimaging Study

NOW RECRUITING people with IH and narcolepsy (no geographical restriction, but if participants come from another time zone, they will require some adaptation to the study time zone prior to beginning the study). The project is to investigate brain regions underlying narcolepsy (with or without cataplexy) and idiopathic hypersomnia. The study includes an MRI scan session and two (non-consecutive) overnight sleep sessions at the sleep laboratory at the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal Research Center on Queen Mar Road in Montreal, Canada. Inclusion criteria are (1) Diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia or narcolepsy with or without cataplexy; (2) Age of 18 or more. Exclusion criteria are (1) Other sleep disorders; (2) Neurological disorders or head trauma; (3) Psychiatric disorders or use of psychotropic drugs; (4) Pregnancy or breastfeeding; (5) Pacemaker or metallic prosthesis. Participants will receive Can$200 of compensation if they complete the full study. For travel costs (if required, for those from other provinces or countries), up to Can$1,000 in travel reimbursements can be provided (Can$500 for travel expenses and Can$500 for accommodations). If interested, please contact Elizaveta Frolova, Research Coordinator, via email: .

Hypersomnias and the Microbiome

NOW RECRUITING normal sleepers in the Atlanta area. Dr. Lynn Marie Trotti and other Emory sleep researchers are looking for participants, ages 18 – 45, for a study investigating how the microorganisms in the gut (known as the “microbiome”) might affect sleepiness. Participation involves a visit to the Sleep Center (12 Executive Park, Atlanta, GA, 30329) for questionnaires and a blood draw, and collecting a stool sample at home to bring back to the Sleep Center. Total time is estimated at 1 hour, and participants will be compensated.

If you are a good sleeper without any diagnosed sleep disorders, please contact Natalie Fernandez (404-778-6114 or ) or Dr. Trotti () for more information.

Clarithromycin Mechanisms in Hypersomnia Syndromes

NOW RECRUITING adults age 18-45 with IH and narcolepsy type 2 at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, U.S.: CLICK HERE. “The purpose of this study is to evaluate a medication called clarithromycin for treating sleepiness in two related conditions, narcolepsy without cataplexy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Studies have shown that clarithromycin can reduce sleepiness, but researchers do not know how clarithromycin does this. This study will look at brain activity (on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and electroencephalogram [EEG] brainwaves), inflammation, bacteria living in the gut, and cerebrospinal fluid, to better understand how clarithromycin can reduce sleepiness. This study will recruit 92 participants who will be randomized to receive clarithromycin or a placebo for 14 days.”

Modafinil Versus Amphetamines for the Treatment of Narcolepsy Type 2 and Idiopathic Hypersomnia

NOW RECRUITING adults with IH or NT2 (who are newly diagnosed and untreated) at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, U.S.: CLICK HERE. “This study will evaluate which medication works better to improve sleepiness. The researchers will also see which medication is better for other symptoms including difficulty waking up and difficulty thinking, as well as seeing which medication causes fewer side [effects]. Finally, this study will see if any information about patients (such as age or sleep study features) predicts responding better to one medication or the other.”

Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem) for Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness due to IH

NOW RECRUITING adults age 18-60 with IH in FRANCE: CLICK HERE. This study, sponsored by the University Hospital in Montpellier, France, will evaluate the efficacy of sodium oxybate (marketed as Xyrem) on excessive daytime sleepiness in people with idiopathic hypersomnia.

Constitution of a Clinical, Neurophysiological and Biological Cohort for Chronic Sleep Disorders Responsible of Hypersomnolence (Somnobank)

NOW RECRUITING people with hypersomnias in France: CLICK HERE. University Hospital in Montpellier, France is looking for volunteers age 8 and older suffering from chronic sleep disorders. The creation of a Clinical, Neurophysiological and Biological Cohort will focus on collecting data on severity of symptoms and genetic testing of blood samples to better understand the pathophysiology of hypersomnolence. While cohorts of this type have aided the understanding of narcolepsy type 1, the pathophysiology of narcolepsy type 2 (NT2), idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is still unknown, due to the small number of patients studied. The study is recruiting volunteers according to the following ratio: NT1 (33%), other central hypersomnias (NT2, IH, KLS, 33%), and hypersomnolence secondary to a neurological sleep or vigilance disorder (ADHD, RLS, parasomnias, 33%).

Swiss Primary Hypersomnolence and Narcolepsy Cohort Study (SPHYNCS)

NOW RECRUITING people age 16 to 70 with idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy, or other hypersomnolence disorder in Bern, Switzerland: CLICK HERE. This is an exploratory prospective, national, multi-center cohort study on clinical, electrophysiological and biological biomarkers of disease presentation and course.

RESTORE: Once Nightly Formulation of Sodium Oxybate (FT218) for Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in Narcolepsy

NOW RECRUITING people age 16 and up with narcolepsy type 1 or 2 in the U.S.: CLICK HERE. The Restore study is an open label study of FT218, a once-nightly formulation of sodium oxybate in people with narcolepsy. This study is evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability of a once-nightly formulation of sodium oxybate for extended-release oral suspension (FT218) and the ability to switch from twice-nightly immediate release sodium oxybate to once-nightly FT218 for people with narcolepsy. For more information or to find a participating clinical site visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04451668.

As of March 1, 2021, the U.S. FDA has accepted Avadel’s New Drug Application for once-nightly FT218 for review and assigned a target Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date of October 15, 2021. Check out the press release.

For information on the prior phase 3 clinical trial, CLICK HERE (and check out this Aug. 2021 journal article). Also, see Avadel Pharmaceuticals Announces Submission of New Drug Application for FT218 to the FDA (December 2020).

A Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of SUVN-G3031 in Patients With Narcolepsy With and Without Cataplexy

NOW RECRUITING people with narcolepsy (type 1 and 2) age 18-50 in the U.S.: CLICK HERE for research sites across the U.S. This is a Phase 2 clinical trial of SUVN-G3031, which is an investigational medicine (a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist, similar to pitolisant, which is a tablet taken once daily). Preclinical information can be found HERE. For further information from clinicaltrials.gov, CLICK HERE.

This research study is testing the effectiveness of SUVN-G3031 to reduce the symptoms of narcolepsy. Qualified participants will be seen by a doctor and receive all study-related exams, care and medications at no cost. Those who qualify will be asked to participate for approximately 7 weeks, which will include at least 5 visits to their study doctor, and 3 overnight stays for a sleep study. Compensation for time and travel may be available.

RAISE UP STUDY for Adults with Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1)

NOW ENROLLING adults (18 and over) with Narcolepsy Type 1: CLICK HERE.

If you have narcolepsy with cataplexy (also known as narcolepsy type 1), you may be eligible to participate in research. The purpose of the RaiseUp Study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational study drug in the treatment of adults who have narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). This study may help researchers understand how the body processes the investigational study drug and how it may affect excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

Who Can Participate?

Eligible participants must:

• Be 18 to 70 years of age.
• Have received an NT1 diagnosis within the past 10 years or are experiencing NT1 symptoms (characterized by cataplexy, or the sudden loss of muscle control and muscle weakness due to strong emotions or actions, like anger or laughter, while remaining conscious).
• Be willing to stop any current NT1 treatment.

For more information about the RaiseUp Study or to take the prescreening questionnaire and see if you may qualify, talk to your doctor and visit the RaiseUp Study website.

SYMPHONY Study: A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of AXS-12 (Reboxetine) in the Treatment of Cataplexy and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in People With Narcolepsy

NOW RECRUITING people with narcolepsy with cataplexy aged 15 to 75 in the U.S. (click here) and aged 25 to 65 in Canada (click here). The clinical trial is evaluating AXS-12, an oral investigational medication (reboxetine) for cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Other symptoms of narcolepsy as well as safety will be assessed throughout the study. Compensation for your time and travel may be available. For further information about this research study please see ClinicalTrials.gov.

Study to Develop a Pediatric Narcolepsy Patient Reported Outcomes Scale (PN-PROS)

NOW RECRUITING children and adolescents with narcolepsy (between the ages of 9 to 17 years) to complete a series of online surveys.

Narcolepsy symptoms in children and adolescents extend beyond sleepiness alone. Narcolepsy symptoms commonly affect academic function, social relationships, mood, and sleep. The goal of this study is to develop a clinical survey that can improve the care of pediatric narcolepsy. Participation requires permitting confirmation of diagnosis and completion of online surveys that take about 30 minutes. As a thank you, participants completing surveys will be given a $50 gift card.

For more information about participation:

• Call the Neurology Sleep Research team at 617-919-212
• Email
• Visit the Boston Children’s Hospital Sleep Center Research & Innovation website
• View the flyer

Stanford University’s Kleine-Levin Syndrome Study

NOW RECRUITING people who have ever had KLS: CLICK HERE.

Study of the Academic and Professional Course of Narcoleptic Patients

NOW RECRUITING children and adults with narcolepsy type 1, in France: CLICK HERE. This study proposes “to establish a comprehensive inventory of educational and professional trajectories of narcoleptic patients in France in order assess the specificity of the difficulties encountered by the people concerned in their life course and to appreciate the attitude of the academic and professional circle with respect to the disease.”