Investigating how Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation affect sleep behavior.

The effects of parkinsonism and deep brain stimulation on basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry during sleep-wake behavior

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11127640

This study is looking at how sleep problems affect people with Parkinson's disease and how a treatment called deep brain stimulation might help improve their sleep by changing the way certain parts of the brain work together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127640 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the sleep-wake disturbances experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease, which significantly impact their quality of life. It aims to explore the neuronal activity and interactions within the basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry during different stages of Parkinsonism. By examining how deep brain stimulation alters these interactions, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved sleep quality for patients. The research will involve detailed analysis of brain circuitry and physiological changes associated with sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience significant sleep-wake disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not experience sleep disturbances may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve sleep quality for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuitry related to sleep disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.