Understanding how lack of sleep affects decision-making in the brain.
Official title: THE ROLE OF MEDIUM SPINY NEURONS IN SLEEP DEPRIVATION-INDUCED COGNITIVE RIGIDITY.
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-10791860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not getting enough sleep affects our ability to make decisions when things change, using mice and rats to explore what happens in their brains when they're sleep-deprived, so we can learn more about why we might struggle to adapt when we're tired.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS132116-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties related to sleep deprivation, such as shift workers or those with sleep disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience cognitive rigidity or sleep-related decision-making issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sleep deprivation impacts cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt decision-making in changing situations. By studying specific brain cells in mice and rats, the researchers aim to uncover the biochemical and electrical changes that occur in the brain due to lack of sleep. The study employs advanced techniques like electrophysiology and real-time imaging to observe these changes and their effects on behavior. The goal is to better understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to cognitive rigidity when sleep is insufficient.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving cognitive function in individuals suffering from sleep deprivation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Christopher John — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Christopher John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding the link between sleep and binge drinking in college students
This project looks at how sleep and binge drinking affect each other in college students to better understand the risks of alcohol misuse.
-
Exploring how lack of sleep affects gut health
This study is looking at how not getting enough sleep can affect gut health, using fruit flies to help us understand how sleep loss might change the gut and increase the risk of heart and metabolic issues.
-
How sleep deprivation affects thinking and mood
This study looks at how not getting enough sleep can affect thinking and increase the chances of feeling depressed, using animal models to learn more about what happens in the brain when we don’t sleep well, with hopes of finding new ways to help people who struggle with mood issues related to sleep loss.
-
Sleep and circadian care for ICU patients
This study tests a multicomponent sleep and circadian rhythm program in adult ICU patients to see if it helps keep daily rhythms and sleep better.
-
HBS-104 single doses in acutely sleep-deprived healthy adults
This study tests whether a single dose of HBS-104 is safe and how it behaves in the body when given to healthy adults who are acutely sleep-deprived.
-
Mind After Midnight — how being awake between 2:00 and 4:00 AM affects mood and decision-making
This project will test whether being awake during the biological night (2:00–4:00 AM) increases negative mood, poor decision-making, and suicidal thoughts in adults who have had suicidal ideation in the past six months.
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.