How light affects sleep and circadian rhythms in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Retinal Determinants of Circadian Function and Sleep-Wake Cycles in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10912809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how light affects sleep patterns in people with Parkinson's disease by examining special cells in the eye, and it aims to help us understand why sleep can be tricky for those with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $611,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129636-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sleep disorders not related to Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the circadian system, which regulates sleep and wake cycles, is affected in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on the role of specific retinal cells that respond to light and their impact on sleep patterns. By studying different groups of PD patients, the research aims to understand the relationship between light exposure, circadian rhythms, and sleep disturbances. The project will utilize non-invasive techniques to measure how these retinal cells function in relation to sleep and circadian behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease, enhancing patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with light therapy in improving sleep in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Videnovic, Aleksandar — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Videnovic, Aleksandar
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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.