Understanding how the brain controls sleep
Official title: Neural Control of NREM Sleep in the Medulla
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10991357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help us fall asleep, with the goal of finding better treatments for sleep problems like insomnia, so people can get the restful sleep they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129997-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience sleep disorders or have difficulty transitioning from wakefulness to sleep.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience sleep disorders or have other unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuits in the brain that regulate sleep behavior, specifically focusing on the transition from wakefulness to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Using advanced techniques like optogenetics, calcium imaging, and genetic targeting, the study aims to uncover how certain neurons in the brain promote sleep. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to provide insights that could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Patients may benefit from improved therapies based on the findings of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and effective treatments for sleep disorders, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding sleep mechanisms, but this specific approach using advanced genetic and imaging techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Yueqing — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Peng, Yueqing
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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.