Investigating how sleep disruption after a concussion affects brain waste clearance in college athletes
Official title: Understanding the effect of post-concussive sleep disruption on glymphatic function in collegiate athletes
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11042652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at college athletes who have trouble sleeping after a concussion to find out who might be at risk and how sleep issues can affect their recovery, with the goal of discovering new ways to help them sleep better and heal faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $772,420 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173372-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are collegiate athletes who have recently sustained a concussion and are experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a concussion or do not have sleep disturbances following a concussion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on collegiate athletes who experience sleep disturbances following a concussion, which can lead to worse cognitive and physical recovery outcomes. The study aims to identify which athletes are at risk for these sleep issues and to explore the biological mechanisms that connect sleep disruption to poor recovery. By examining the glymphatic system, which helps clear waste from the brain during sleep, the research seeks to establish new therapeutic targets for improving sleep and recovery in affected athletes. The findings could lead to better identification and treatment strategies for those struggling with post-concussive sleep problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery strategies for athletes suffering from sleep disturbances after concussions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing sleep issues in concussion patients can lead to improved recovery outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piantino, Juan Andres — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Piantino, Juan Andres
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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.