Understanding how the brain controls REM sleep
Official title: Cortical Regulation of REM Sleep
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10993188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity during REM sleep affects people with mood disorders like depression, hoping to find new ways to help improve their sleep and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $436,740 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172283-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who experience disrupted REM sleep.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mood disorders or those who do not experience sleep disturbances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain activity and REM sleep, particularly in individuals with mood disorders like major depressive disorder. It aims to uncover how the prefrontal cortex influences REM sleep patterns, which are often disrupted in these conditions. By using advanced techniques such as calcium imaging and optogenetics, the study will explore the neural mechanisms that regulate REM sleep and its associated rapid eye movements. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for sleep disturbances linked to mood disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients experiencing sleep disturbances related to mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's role in sleep regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, Franz L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Weber, Franz L
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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.