Understanding how certain genes affect sleep patterns in a rodent model.
Official title: Developing and characterizing sleep-based network homeostasis in a diurnal rodent model for Familial Natural Short Sleep
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11135009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a condition called Familial Natural Short Sleep, where some people thrive on just 4-5 hours of sleep, and it uses grass rats to understand how certain genetic changes affect sleep and daily rhythms, which could help us learn more about sleep patterns in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,708 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS139668-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135009 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to short sleep duration or those experiencing sleep disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sleep-related issues or genetic mutations associated with FNSS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a condition known as Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS), where individuals can function well on only 4-5 hours of sleep. By using a diurnal rodent model, specifically grass rats, the study aims to explore how genetic mutations associated with FNSS influence sleep and circadian rhythms. The researchers will employ advanced behavioral and electrophysiological techniques to assess the impact of these mutations on neural network function and overall brain health. This approach may provide insights that are more relevant to human sleep patterns compared to traditional nocturnal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of sleep regulation and potential treatments for sleep disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While research on FNSS is emerging, this specific approach using a diurnal rodent model is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watson, Brendon O — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Watson, Brendon O
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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.