Integrated sleep-cycle check for preterm babies in the NICU
Official title: Integrated Assessment of Sleep-Cycle Maturation in Preterm Infants During Extra-Uterine Third Trimester
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11355261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, non-invasive study will track how sleep patterns mature in very premature babies in the NICU to help predict later brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $500,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD122088-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are preterm infants in the NICU during the third trimester who are stable enough for non-invasive monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Infants with conditions that preclude non-invasive monitoring or those not in the NICU setting may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study follows preterm infants in the NICU to observe their sleep states in real time using bedside tools that don’t require invasive sensors. Researchers will compare simple heart rate and breathing signals with observed sleep stages to see how sleep patterns evolve during the final part of the third trimester. The goal is to find early indicators of brain maturation that could help predict cognitive outcomes as children grow. The study will use a pragmatic approach, relying on routine NICU care tools to minimize disruption for families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use bedside sleep signals to tailor care and support for brain development in preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has validated bedside sleep staging tools like BeSSPI, with potential for real-time usage in the NICU.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basu, Sudeepta Kumar — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Basu, Sudeepta Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.
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.