How aging affects sleep and brain chemistry
Official title: Aging, sleep, and kynurenic acid
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10775780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging and sleep quality are connected, especially focusing on a brain chemical called kynurenic acid, to find out if better understanding these links can help improve sleep and brain function for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $186,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080335-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10775780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing sleep disturbances or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging, sleep quality, and a brain chemical called kynurenic acid. It aims to understand how disruptions in sleep among older adults may be linked to changes in brain function and chemistry, particularly focusing on the role of kynurenic acid in sleep disturbances. By exploring these connections, the research seeks to identify potential new treatments that could improve sleep and cognitive function in the elderly. The study will involve examining brain activity and chemical levels in older adults to uncover the underlying mechanisms of sleep issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve sleep quality and cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep disturbances and aging, but this specific approach focusing on kynurenic acid is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pocivavsek, Ana — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Pocivavsek, Ana
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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.