We spend about a third of our life sleeping, and sleep is essential for our well-being. Sleep is a fundamental aspect of brain function and sleep disturbances are a symptom or a hallmark of almost all neurological and psychiatric disorders. Sleep disturbances bring about a plethora of negative consequences, including problems with mood regulation, immune system function, memory and concentration. In order to tackle sleep problems more effectively, we need to understand better their origin in the brain. I will characterize neuronal circuits that are especially involved in the regulation of sleep quality, and examine how their activity is altered in stressful situations that impair sleep. I will also investigate how some widely used drugs affect sleep structure. My research will help to understand how sleep problems evolve in the brain and how their treatment could be individualized.

2023

2027