Pharmacology of sleep and sleep disorders. Central mechanisms of sleep apnea (cessation of respiration). Sleep apnea syndrome affects at least 3%-5% of adult population in the US and we and others, have shown that adult rats also exhibit apneas during all stages of sleep. It is now well established that the prevalence of sleep-related apnea is dramatically elevated in the elderly ranging from 28%-67% and we are studying the phenomenon using the rats of all ages as animal model of sleep apnea.

Our studies will provide new data about the mechanisms underlying sleep-related apnea. Since there is no pharmacological treatment of sleep apnea syndrome, our research may also suggest avenues for the development of a therapeutic approach to sleep-related apneas.

Lab Members