NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how brain injuries affect sleep disorders in veterans

Official title: Neural mechanisms underlying the connection between Neurotrauma and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11109418 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how brain injuries and PTSD might lead to sleep problems, specifically a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, in veterans, and it hopes to find out what causes these sleep issues and how they might relate to future health concerns.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX006155-03
Project IDNIH-11109418 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or PTSD.

Less likely to help

Patients without a history of neurotrauma or sleep disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between neurotrauma, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the development of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) in veterans. It aims to explore how these conditions disrupt normal sleep patterns, particularly the muscle paralysis that typically occurs during REM sleep. By studying the neural mechanisms involved, the research seeks to identify predictors and pathways that link neurotrauma to sleep disturbances and potential future neurodegenerative diseases. Veterans with a history of TBI and PTSD will be the focus of this investigation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for sleep disorders in veterans, potentially reducing the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a strong link between neurotrauma and sleep disorders, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring an untested area.

Where this research is happening

  • Portland VA Medical Center
    Portland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lim, Miranda M — Portland VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Lim, Miranda M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.