How sleep patterns in children and adolescents relate to mental health risks as they grow up
Official title: Developmental Trajectories of Sleep EEG Biomarkers and Risk of Psychopathology Through Young Adulthood
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11124126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how sleep patterns in kids and teens might help us understand their risk for mental health issues later on, especially for those with attention problems or anxiety, so we can find ways to support them better as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,101 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136472-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 0-20 years, particularly those with attention or internalizing disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already receiving treatment for their mental health issues or those outside the age range of 0-20 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in sleep EEG patterns during childhood and adolescence can predict the risk of developing mental health issues in young adulthood. By analyzing sleep data from a cohort of children as they transition into adolescence, the study examines specific EEG biomarkers that reflect sleep quality and depth. The research aims to understand how these sleep patterns differ between typically developing youth and those with attention or internalizing disorders, particularly focusing on the impact of puberty and medication. The findings could help identify at-risk individuals based on their sleep characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of youth at risk for mental health disorders, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking sleep patterns to mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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.