Investigating the link between sleep quality and brain health in World Trade Center responders

Sleep stability, emotional memory and risk for neurodegeneration in World Trade Center Responders

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10903702

This study is looking at how sleep problems might affect the brain health of World Trade Center responders, and it aims to see if better sleep can help prevent issues like memory loss or cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903702 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on World Trade Center (WTC) responders who report poor sleep quality and are at risk for cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration. The study aims to understand how sleep stability, measured through advanced techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC), relates to these health issues. By assessing various aspects of sleep, including initiation and maintenance, the research seeks to determine if poor sleep contributes to neurodegeneration in this population. Participants will provide subjective assessments of their sleep quality, which will be complemented by objective measurements.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are World Trade Center responders experiencing poor sleep quality or sleep disorders such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of exposure to the World Trade Center site or do not experience sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for sleep-related issues that may help protect brain health in WTC responders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between sleep quality and cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.