Investigating sleep problems in infants with a severe birth defect called myelomeningocele
Official title: Sleep-disordered breathing in infants with myelomeningocele
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10754237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems affect babies with myelomeningocele, a serious type of spina bifida, to see if better sleep can help their brain development and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $695,712 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL147261-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele, particularly those experiencing sleep-disordered breathing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without myelomeningocele or those who do not exhibit sleep-disordered breathing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. The study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of SDB on cognitive outcomes in these children, as abnormal sleep patterns may contribute to long-term neurobehavioral issues. By examining factors such as spinal defects and brainstem abnormalities, the research seeks to identify potential interventions that could improve sleep quality and overall health. The approach includes systematic assessments and monitoring of sleep physiology in affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of sleep disorders in infants with myelomeningocele, potentially enhancing their cognitive development and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing sleep-disordered breathing in children can lead to significant improvements in cognitive and behavioral outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barks, John D — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Barks, John D
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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.