Investigating sleep and circadian rhythm issues after brain injuries
Official title: Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders After Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10799966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how traumatic brain injuries can mess with sleep and body clocks, using fruit flies to find out which genes might be involved, so we can eventually help people who have trouble sleeping after their injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $423,624 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135530-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are suffering from sleep or circadian rhythm disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or do not have sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect sleep and circadian rhythms in patients. It utilizes a genetic model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to explore the underlying mechanisms that lead to sleep disorders following TBI. By identifying specific genes involved and examining the relationship between sleep and inflammation, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving sleep quality in TBI survivors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better management of sleep-related issues post-injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sleep disorders in individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic factors in animal models can lead to breakthroughs in treating sleep disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Annika Fitzpatrick — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Barber, Annika Fitzpatrick
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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.