How sleep and circadian rhythms affect brain reward systems in adolescents
Regulation of nucleus accumbens neurons by sleep and circadian rhythm
This study is looking at how sleep and body clocks affect the way teenagers respond to rewards, which could help us understand and prevent substance use in young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and reward processing in adolescents, a critical period for substance use initiation. By using rodent models, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in sleep and circadian patterns can influence brain circuits involved in reward and cognitive control. The researchers will manipulate sleep and circadian rhythms to observe their effects on behavior and brain function, particularly focusing on the nucleus accumbens, a key area for processing rewards. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into preventing substance abuse in young people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing sleep disturbances or are at risk for substance use.
Not a fit: Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without sleep or substance use issues may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing substance abuse in adolescents by addressing sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that sleep and circadian rhythm interventions can positively influence behavior and cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Yanhua H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Huang, Yanhua H
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.