Infant Sleep Patterns and Memory
Function of biphasic sleep in infants
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · NIH-11121886
This project looks at how infant sleep patterns, especially the change from two naps to one, help babies learn and remember things.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HADLEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121886 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are exploring how naps help infants consolidate memories as they grow and naturally transition from taking multiple naps to just one per day. Our goal is to understand if the morning nap becomes less important for memory as babies get older, while the afternoon nap remains essential. We will work with 100 infants, observing their sleep and memory at 9, 12, and 15 months of age. We'll use special tasks to check memory, wearable devices to track nap habits, and sleep studies to see how the brain works during sleep.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are infants between 9 and 15 months old who are transitioning from multiple naps to a single nap per day.
Not a fit: This foundational research is not designed to provide direct, immediate medical treatment or intervention for specific sleep disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could provide clearer guidance for families on infant sleep schedules, potentially reducing stress and supporting healthy cognitive development in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation in infants, and this project builds upon that understanding with a longitudinal approach.
Where this research is happening
HADLEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST — HADLEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SPENCER, REBECCA M C — UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- Study coordinator: SPENCER, REBECCA M C
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.