How sleep and brain activity in premature babies may relate to later development
Sleep-related behavior and cortical activity in premature human infants as predictors of developmental outcomes.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11327667
This project looks at whether patterns of sleep and brain activity in premature infants are linked with later developmental outcomes for those children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327667 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your premature baby takes part, researchers will record sleep behavior and high-density EEG (brain waves) during naps to capture movements like limb and eye twitches and the brain responses they trigger. They will combine these recordings with brief behavioral observations and then follow the child's development over time with periodic check-ins. This work builds on animal studies and prior recordings in full-term infants to see whether the same sleep-related brain signals appear in preterm babies. The team aims to identify early markers that could signal altered development so families and clinicians can plan follow-up support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are premature (preterm) newborns whose parents consent to brief sleep and EEG recordings and longitudinal follow-up visits.
Not a fit: Full-term babies or children whose development is already typical may not directly benefit from findings focused on preterm brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal early brain-and-sleep markers that help identify infants at risk for developmental delays so interventions can begin sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Animal research and prior recordings in full-term human infants found sleep-related, twitch-triggered brain activity, but applying these measures to premature infants is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLUMBERG, MARK SAMUEL — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: BLUMBERG, MARK SAMUEL
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder