How sleep deprivation affects thinking and mood
Official title: Mechanisms of information-processing and executive deficits caused by sleep deprivation
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10886925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not getting enough sleep can affect thinking and increase the chances of feeling depressed, using animal models to learn more about what happens in the brain when we don’t sleep well, with hopes of finding new ways to help people who struggle with mood issues related to sleep loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 9, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $511,374 |
| NIH project number | 1R56MH130006-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep deprivation and related cognitive or mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience sleep deprivation or have unrelated psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions and the risk of developing depression. By using animal models, the study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these issues, particularly focusing on how sleep loss alters brain chemistry. The researchers have developed specific tasks to better mimic the cognitive challenges faced by humans who experience sleep deprivation. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing mood disorders linked to sleep loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for depression and cognitive impairments associated with sleep deprivation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bortolato, Marco — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Bortolato, Marco
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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.