Maiken Nedergaard's research at the University of Rochester has transformed views on the science of sleep. Using an advanced two-photon microscope, she and her team observed cerebrospinal fluid moving through channels alongside blood vessels in real-time, effectively revealing a system that collects and removes toxic waste from the brain. Further investigations showed that these channels widen during sleep, allowing for a rapid cleansing process that outpaces awake periods. Wilfred Pigeon, director of the University’s Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab, noted the impact of Nedergaard’s findings, calling them a game changer.

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Nedergaard, who also leads a lab at the University of Copenhagen, collaborates with researchers from institutions like Harvard and Penn to deepen the understanding of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. She worked with URochester colleagues, including mechanical engineering professor Douglas Kelley, to improve methodologies for observing these flows. Previously, fluid movements were tracked manually particle by particle; Kelley introduced computational methods that can track thousands of particles simultaneously, enhancing the depth of analysis.

The investigation has evolved to combine MRI data with fluid dynamics equations and machine learning, improving noninvasive approaches to measure cerebral flow—a significant advancement toward diagnosing neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

The attention generated by Nedergaard's work has also highlighted other sleep-related research at the University. The Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab, under Pigeon, has focused on insomnia, which affects about 10 percent of the population. Pigeon explained that untreated insomnia exacerbates other health issues, including chronic pain and depression. Researcher Todd Bishop has linked insomnia to increased suicide risk, noting that poor sleep contributes to suicidal ideation.

In response to this widespread issue, URochester emphasizes the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as a first-line treatment, proving effective in 80 percent of cases. Leisha Cuddihy, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, provides CBT-I and has seen significant improvements among her patients.

Experts at URochester view sleep as a ‘glue specialty’ that intersects various medical fields. Jonathan Marcus, a neurologist, indicated that sleep disorders can contribute to conditions like hypertension and cognitive decline. Increased collaboration among different medical specialties has enhanced patient care, particularly in addressing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea through innovative treatments such as hypoglossal nerve stimulators. URochester has implanted over 400 of these devices, showcasing its expertise in this area.

Research efforts extend to pediatric sleep issues, led by Heidi Connolly, chief of pediatric sleep medicine. Her lab, which conducts about 1,500 sleep studies annually, addresses problems like sleep apnea and bedwetting that can severely impact children’s well-being. Successful interventions greatly improve not just the health of children but also the quality of life for entire families.

Additionally, URochester engages in public education through courses like the Neurobiology of Sleep, which imparts understanding of sleep's significance on a societal level. Faculty members like Jennifer Marsella strive to widen access to information about sleep health through community outreach and advocacy for policy changes to support adolescent sleep needs.

As Nedergaard's groundbreaking work continues, URochester's interdisciplinary collaborations and research aim to demystify sleep and address its related disorders, paving the way for advancements in public understanding and health.