Understanding how sleep affects brain function and plasticity
Official title: Extracting network-level homeostatic rules for sleep/wake states
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10947441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep affects the brain's ability to adapt and function well, using mice to see if certain brain changes lead to sleep, and it’s designed for anyone curious about the connection between sleep and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,408 |
| NIH project number | 1F32NS138250-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing sleep disturbances or cognitive issues related to brain plasticity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable sleep patterns and no cognitive impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep and brain plasticity, aiming to uncover how sleep helps maintain optimal brain function. By developing a machine learning algorithm, the study seeks to predict the mechanisms that govern sleep and neural network stability. Additionally, it will involve continuous monitoring of neuronal activity in mice to explore whether certain levels of brain plasticity trigger sleep. This dual approach combines advanced computational modeling with empirical testing to provide insights into the biological processes underlying sleep.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving sleep and brain health, potentially benefiting individuals with sleep disorders or cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between sleep and brain function has been explored, this specific approach utilizing machine learning and continuous neuronal recordings is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fosque, Leandro Jonathan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fosque, Leandro Jonathan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.