Understanding how the brain responds to pain and affects sleep.

Dissection of the Circuitry Regulating Arousal to Pain

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10606601

This study is looking at how certain brain cells react to pain and how they might affect your sleep and alertness, with the hope of finding better ways to manage pain for people like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10606601 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the specific neural pathways in the brain that trigger arousal in response to painful stimuli, particularly focusing on the role of certain neurons in the parabrachial area. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics, the study aims to determine how these neurons influence the waking response to pain. Patients may benefit from insights into how pain affects sleep and arousal, potentially leading to better pain management strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain that disrupts their sleep.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience pain or have sleep issues unrelated to pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pain management and sleep disturbances associated with pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding pain pathways, but this specific approach using optogenetic techniques is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.