Understanding how sleep changes during early development
Official title: Investigating sleep regulation and function during early development
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11100001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our sleep habits change from childhood to adulthood, using fruit flies to help us understand the genes and brain processes that control sleep, which could eventually lead to better ways to help people with sleep problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $910,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS137329-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who experience sleep disturbances or are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 21 years old or those without sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in sleep patterns from early life to adulthood, focusing on how sleep duration and quality evolve. It aims to uncover the genetic and neural mechanisms that regulate sleep during development, using the fruit fly as a model organism. By identifying key genes and pathways involved in sleep maturation, the research seeks to understand how sleep affects brain development and its implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving sleep in individuals with sleep disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic approaches to improve sleep and brain health in children and young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sleep regulation in model organisms, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kayser, Matthew S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kayser, Matthew S
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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.