Investigating brain activity related to insomnia caused by alcohol withdrawal
Hypothalamic Neuronal Activity During Insomnia Induced by Chronic Ethanol Exposure
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol for a long time affects sleep, especially the trouble sleeping that can happen when someone stops drinking, and it's using mice to learn more about how certain brain cells control sleep and wakefulness, which could help find better ways to help people with insomnia as they recover from alcohol dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10871705 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how chronic alcohol use affects sleep patterns, particularly insomnia that occurs during withdrawal. By using advanced imaging techniques in a mouse model, the study aims to observe the activity of specific neurons in the hypothalamus that promote wakefulness and sleep. The researchers will analyze how these neurons behave before, during, and after periods of alcohol exposure, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of insomnia in alcohol-dependent individuals. The findings could help identify potential targets for treatment to alleviate insomnia in patients recovering from alcohol dependence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of chronic alcohol use who experience insomnia during withdrawal.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use or those who do not experience insomnia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for insomnia in individuals recovering from alcohol dependence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal activity related to sleep disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanco-Centurion, Carlos a. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Blanco-Centurion, Carlos a.
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.