How do opioids affect sleep in RLS patients? This question is the focus of a new, two-year research project by the Institute of Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University together with the SomnoDiagnostics therapy center under the direction of PD Dr. med. Cornelius Bachmann, a recognized expert in sleep disorders and restless legs syndrome (RLS).
As part of the study, the influence of opioids on nocturnal respiratory parameters in RLS patients is being investigated together with cognitive scientist Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa. PD Dr. Bachmann explains: "This topic has hardly been addressed in science to date, although the connection between nocturnal respiratory impairment and opioid use in pain therapy is well known." The study will be the first scientific study on this topic for RLS patients and could also provide important findings for pain therapy. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disease of the nervous system that causes restlessness of movement and abnormal sensations in the legs.
The cooperation is part of a longer-term collaboration between PD Dr. Bachmann, the SomnoDiagnostics therapy center and the Institute of Cognitive Science. It extends not only to research projects, but also to teaching on topics such as sleep, dreams and related cognitive science issues. Students at the university benefit from this collaboration through an expanded range of clinically relevant and scientific training opportunities.
PD Dr. Bachmann emphasizes: "This initiative represents a significant strengthening for Osnabrück as a medical location, which benefits from the international reputation of the Institute of Cognitive Science. Especially in the field of sleep research and the investigation of dreams and nightmares, this cooperation is a great benefit for clinical research."
Further information: https: //www.ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/research_groups/associated_researchers.html
Further information for the media:
Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa, Osnabrück University
Institute of Cognitive Science
gordon.pipa@uos.de