Could the 'Love Hormone' ease sleep apnea treatment?
NCT ID NCT03860233
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a nasal spray of oxytocin, a natural hormone, can lower the air pressure needed from a CPAP machine in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Forty adults who already use CPAP will take the spray or a placebo before bed for 14 days. Researchers will measure changes in CPAP pressure and daytime sleepiness to see if oxytocin helps make treatment easier and reduces oxygen drops during sleep.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
oxytocin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to make CPAP therapy more comfortable and reduce side effects from low oxygen during sleep.
What could go wrong
This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply widely. Oxytocin may not reduce CPAP pressure or improve sleepiness as hoped.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Medical Faculty Associates
RECRUITINGWashington D.C., District of Columbia, 20037, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••