Could the 'Love Hormone' ease sleep apnea treatment?

NCT ID NCT03860233

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Vivek Jain Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome sleep apnea syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SLEEP APNEA SLEEP APNEA, OBSTRUCTIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical Faculty Associates
RECRUITING

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20037, United States

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