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Pharyngeal Wall Folding: Role In Upper Airway Collapsibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,274.00
Summary
In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) the throat closes during sleep. In order for the throat to close the surface of the throat has to fold. Mathematical models predict that the more folds present, the more stable a structure will be. This research will examine how folding of the airway surface of the throat is achieved in subjects with and without OSA. It will also develop ways of changing the folding patterns using bench, animal and human studies. This will result in new treatments for OSA.
Novel Mechanism Underlying The Behavioural And Neurocognitive Deficits In Children With Sleep Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,296.00
Summary
About one third of Australian children have a sleep disorder. Behavioural or academic problems are common in these children, however the link between sleep and daytime problems is still not clear. New research suggests the pattern of brain activity during deep sleep may provide some answers. This study will explore the link between brain activity during deep sleep and daytime functioning in children with sleep disorders, providing valuable information for treatment.
Most deaths from non-illicit drugs are caused by prescribed opioids and are nearly always due to respiratory arrest during sleep. However, no study has assessed the effect of opioids on vital respiratory drives during sleep. In addition, sleep apnea has been identified as a major risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality, while no study investigated how to identify those sleep apnea patients most at risk of opioids. Our proposed studies aim to address these gaps in knowledge.
Mechanisms Of Memory And Mood Impairment Associated With Sleep Disturbance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,613.00
Summary
Sleep loss is integral and pervasive in society today. There is a link between sleep disturbance, memory impairment and depressed mood, however, the mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear. We examine whether sleep disturbed populations have preferential memory for negative information and higher levels of negative affect and mood. These findings will help to explain higher rates of depression in sleep disturbed patients, and promote the benefits of healthy sleep on mood.
Sleep Health And Sleep Problems In Early Childhood: What Role Does Childcare Play?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Sleep is significant for young children’s health and development and impacts on family functioning. Increasingly childcare is part of the young child’s sleep environment. This study focuses on the role of childcare in supporting sleep health and identifying sleep, and associated behavioural problems, in the early years of life. The study responds to the policy, practice and legislative demand for evidence to guide appropriate provision for sleep and rest in the childcare context.
The Role Of Arousal In The Pathogenesis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Implications For Novel Therapeutic Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$297,888.00
Summary
This research forms part of a series of studies aimed at characterizing the relative importance of the various physiological causes (phenotypes) of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and has the potential to lead to individually tailored novel therapies according to these traits. Specifically, this proposed research will investigate the role of arousal from sleep (brief awakening) in OSA and explore methods of manipulating the arousal threshold as a new treatment approach for certain OSA patients.
Assessment Of Novel Biomarkers That Are Related Neurobehavioural Dysfunction In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Anoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,941.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea is recognised as a common condition that has a clearly measurable impact on public health. However it is often difficult for doctors to decide which patients have problems with driving or day to day brain functioning. This study will measure driving and memory during an extended period of waking in patients with sleep apnea. Special markers of brain function will be correlated with performance results during this extended wakefulness challenge.
Acute And Chronic Effects Of Alcohol On Sleep And Sleep Related Brain Functioning In Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of physical injury and risky sexual behaviour, particularly in adolescence and young adulthood. Little is known about alcohols impact on brain activity during sleep in this age group. This project investigates whether brain synchronisation during sleep is an early marker of alcohol related brain damage in late adolescence and if acute intoxication disrupts sleep related memory processes during this critical developmental period
Sleep And Motherhood: Towards A Sustainable Cognitive Behavioural Program For Better Sleep And Wellbeing During Pregnancy And Postpartum Periods.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,891.00
Summary
Sleep problems are common during pregnancy and postpartum periods, and are linked to poor maternal mental health and wellbeing. Cognitive behavioural sleep interventions are effective, but not currently available in routine perinatal care. This study examines the efficacy of an innovative evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention for better sleep and wellbeing, with high potential for sustainable integration with routine perinatal care.