Circadian rhythms and sleep disorders in perioperative cognitive changes
Official title: Role of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Disorders in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders Trajectories
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11398103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital looks at how circadian rhythm problems and sleep disorders may influence brain problems patients experience around surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $453,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM159961-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing surgery who may have sleep disorders or circadian rhythm disruptions and are willing to participate in perioperative cognitive and sleep assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sleep or circadian issues or those not undergoing surgery may have limited direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project investigates how sleep timing and circadian disruption interact with anesthesia and surgery to affect thinking and memory after procedures. It will build a perioperative cognitive assessment program that works for diverse patient groups, collect data on sleep and activity around the time of surgery, and explore genetic factors related to circadian rhythms that could influence recovery. The team plans to use genetic and clinical data to understand who is at risk for longer-term cognitive issues after surgery and to tailor monitoring and care accordingly. The goal is to improve detection and management of perioperative cognitive changes through sleep-aware, personalized approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier detection and better management of cognitive changes after surgery, potentially improving recovery and long-term brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows circadian disruption affects brain health, and genetics may influence recovery, but linking these factors to perioperative cognitive trajectories is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vacas, Susana — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Vacas, Susana
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.