Improving sleep to treat sleep apnea and related disorders
Official title: Micromanaging Human Sleep Physiology to Treat Sleep Apnea and Other Disorders
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10923575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help people sleep better and manage sleep issues like sleep apnea by using gentle sounds and smart devices, all while they sleep at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,120,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1HL179370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from sleep disorders, particularly those who have not responded well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sleep disorders that are not primarily related to sleep physiology or those who do not experience significant sleep disruptions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative methods to enhance sleep quality and treat sleep disorders like sleep apnea. By using soft sounds and advanced monitoring devices, the project aims to modify sleep physiology in real-time, helping patients achieve better health outcomes. The approach focuses on altering mental and physical sleep habits without disrupting sleep, utilizing techniques derived from memory research. Participants will be monitored in their homes to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for sleep disorders, improving overall health and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on sleep and memory, this specific approach to real-time modulation of sleep physiology is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paller, Ken a — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Paller, Ken a
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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.