Understanding how sleep apnea affects breathing and brain function
Mechanisms of sleep and sleep apnea
This study is looking at how the brain controls the muscles that keep your airway open while you sleep, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with obstructive sleep apnea breathe better and sleep more soundly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897844 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on breathing and brain activity during sleep. It focuses on how the brain controls airway muscles and how disruptions in this control can lead to sleep fragmentation and related health issues. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and calcium imaging, the study aims to identify specific brain circuits that can be targeted to improve airway function and reduce sleep disturbances. Patients with OSA may benefit from insights gained into new treatment strategies that enhance breathing during sleep.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who experience significant sleep disturbances and related health issues.
Not a fit: Patients without obstructive sleep apnea or those with other unrelated sleep disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, enhancing sleep quality and overall health for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to sleep apnea, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saper, Clifford B — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Saper, Clifford B
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 below.