Investigating sleep patterns and cognitive issues in early schizophrenia
Official title: Establishing that sleep spindle and slow wave deficits are present, are associated with cognitive dysfunction, and can be acutely manipulated in early course schizophrenia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11057633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems, like unusual sleep patterns, affect thinking skills in people with early-stage schizophrenia, and it will also test if using sound to improve sleep can help boost their cognitive abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,107 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130376-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage schizophrenia who are experiencing cognitive dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic schizophrenia or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how sleep disturbances, specifically sleep spindles and slow waves, are related to cognitive dysfunction in individuals with early-stage schizophrenia. By comparing these sleep patterns in patients to healthy controls, the study aims to establish a connection between sleep abnormalities and cognitive deficits. Additionally, the research will explore whether manipulating sleep through auditory stimulation can improve these sleep issues and, in turn, enhance cognitive function. This approach could lead to innovative interventions for those experiencing early cognitive decline due to schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve cognitive function in patients with early-stage schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating sleep patterns to improve cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrarelli, Fabio — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ferrarelli, Fabio
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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.