Investigating brain neurons that induce sleep and their role in sleep disorders.
Official title: BLR&D Research Career Scientist Award Application for Priyattam J. Shiromani, PhD
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11167245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help us sleep, especially for people with sleep problems like PTSD, to find new ways to help those who struggle with insomnia or feel too sleepy during the day.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | March 31, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 2IK6BX004216-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans experiencing sleep disturbances related to PTSD and individuals with atypical depression or obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sleep disorders or those not experiencing hyperarousal symptoms related to PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the specific brain neurons that are responsible for inducing sleep, particularly in individuals suffering from sleep disorders such as PTSD. By utilizing advanced techniques like deep-brain imaging, optogenetics, and CLARITY, the study aims to map the functional circuits in the brain that regulate sleep. The research will gather data on various neuron types and their activity related to sleep, which could lead to new treatments for conditions where sleep is disrupted. Ultimately, the goal is to provide insights that could help induce sleep in patients with severe insomnia or maintain wakefulness in those with excessive sleepiness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating sleep disorders, particularly in veterans and others affected by PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding sleep mechanisms, but this approach using advanced imaging and optogenetics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiromani, Priyattam J. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shiromani, Priyattam J.
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.