How circadian rhythms and sleep affect seizure timing
Official title: Regulation of seizure timing by circadian rhythms and sleep
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11160270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep patterns and body clocks affect when seizures happen in kids with genetic epilepsy, and it's being done by experts at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania to help find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,325 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS131602-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children, with genetic forms of epilepsy who experience seizures influenced by sleep and circadian rhythms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not linked to genetic factors or those whose seizures are not affected by sleep patterns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, and the timing of seizures in individuals with genetic epilepsies. By utilizing advanced model systems, including cellular and animal models, the research aims to understand how these biological processes interact and influence seizure occurrences. The study is being conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging their expertise in neuroscience and sleep research. The principal investigator is focused on developing a deeper understanding of these interactions to inform future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for patients with epilepsy, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of circadian rhythms in various neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cuddapah, Vishnu Anand — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cuddapah, Vishnu Anand
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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.