How alcohol affects sleep and memory in the brain
Alcohol tolerance encoding in sleep and memory circuits
This study is looking at how just one drink can change your sleep and behavior, and it's for anyone curious about how alcohol affects our brains and sleep patterns, using both people and fruit flies to find out more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10988050 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a single exposure to alcohol can lead to lasting changes in behavior and brain function, particularly focusing on sleep patterns. By studying both humans and fruit flies, the researchers aim to uncover the connections between alcohol tolerance and sleep regulation. They have identified specific brain neurons that may play a role in how alcohol influences sleep, which could help explain the relationship between addiction and sleep disturbances. The study employs a combination of behavioral analysis and neurobiological techniques to explore these mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who may experience issues related to alcohol use or sleep disturbances.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of sleep disorders related to alcohol use and addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between alcohol tolerance and sleep, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Merced, United States
- University of California, Merced — Merced, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf, Frederick W — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Wolf, Frederick W
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 below.