NIH-funded research R21 grant

How sleep quality affects heart health as we age

Official title: Sleep pathology and cardiac aging

Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10976019 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sleep problems like sleep apnea might affect heart health as we age, and it's for people who want to understand the connection between their sleep quality and heart aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project startSeptember 17, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$133,410
NIH project number1R21HL175584-01
Project IDNIH-10976019 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing sleep issues, particularly those with sleep apnea or related conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients without sleep disorders or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between sleep quality, specifically sleep apnea, and the aging of the heart. By utilizing advanced digital technologies and a unique collection of sleep and cardiovascular health data from a large cohort, the study aims to understand how poor sleep can accelerate heart aging and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Participants will undergo multiple overnight sleep assessments to gather objective data over time, allowing for a thorough analysis of sleep patterns and their impact on heart health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases linked to poor sleep quality.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong link between sleep quality and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
    Worcester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lin, Honghuang — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  • Study coordinator: Lin, Honghuang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.