How sleep brain activity changes from childhood through young adulthood and links to mental health
Developmental Trajectories of Sleep EEG Biomarkers and Risk of Psychopathology Through Young Adulthood
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · NIH-11284038
Researchers will track sleep brain waves from childhood into the twenties to see how those changes relate to mental health in young people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HERSHEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11284038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be part of a long-term effort that records brain activity during sleep (EEG) as children grow through puberty into young adulthood. The team will measure slow wave activity, sleep spindle density, and an index of sleep depth across development. They will compare typical development with youth who have attention/learning problems or internalizing symptoms and consider effects of medications. This follow-up into the twenties aims to connect sleep-related brain changes with later mental health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents (roughly ages 6–20), including those with ADHD or internalizing symptoms, who can complete overnight sleep EEG recordings and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People older than young adulthood (for example, over about 30) or those without any childhood sleep data are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify young people at higher risk for mood or attention problems so they can get help earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked sleep EEG patterns to brain maturation and mental health, but extending predictions into the twenties is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
HERSHEY, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR — HERSHEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FERNANDEZ-MENDOZA, JULIO — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- Study coordinator: FERNANDEZ-MENDOZA, JULIO
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.