How adolescent trauma affects sleep and increases mental illness risk in adults
Official title: Adolescent trauma produces enduring disruptions in sleep architecture that lead to increased risk for adult mental illness
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10730872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how experiencing trauma as a child can affect sleep patterns and increase the chances of mental health issues later in life, especially during the teenage years, to help us understand the connection between sleep and emotional well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $424,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134194-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced trauma and may be at risk for developing mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced trauma or who are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of childhood trauma on sleep patterns and how these disruptions may lead to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders in adulthood. By examining the relationship between sleep architecture and psychiatric illnesses, the study aims to understand how sleep disturbances, particularly during adolescence, can influence emotional and cognitive health later in life. The research employs advanced methodologies to analyze sleep patterns and their connection to mental health outcomes, focusing on the role of specific brain regions involved in sleep regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for individuals at risk of mental illness due to early trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing sleep disturbances can significantly improve mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elmer, Gregory I — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Elmer, Gregory I
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.