Sleep is essential for energy, focus, and overall well-being, but for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), sleep can be a major challenge. Many people with PWS experience issues with REM sleep—the stage of sleep when dreams happen—and can even have unexpected bursts of REM sleep during the day. This can lead to low energy, difficulty concentrating, and increased anxiety or depression.
Dr. Ramalingam and his team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston have been studying the brain mechanisms that regulate REM sleep for over 15 years. Their research has led them to focus on a specific group of brain cells known as MCH neurons. These neurons play a key role in controlling REM sleep, and the team suspects they may be overactive in individuals with PWS, potentially contributing to sleep disturbances.
What This Study Is Doing
Using advanced genetic tools, researchers are studying MCH neurons in PWS models to:
· Measure their activity during sleep and wake cycles
· Confirm if they are overactive in PWS
· Identify new ways to improve sleep for individuals with PWS
Why This Matters
If scientists can pinpoint the cause of sleep disturbances, they can develop better treatments to help individuals with PWS feel more rested, focused, and energised. Excitingly, in other studies medications that block MCH activity are already being researched for weight management in PWS, therefore this research could reveal a new use for these treatments to improve sleep as well!
Sleep, appetite and weight control are big challenges in PWS and new discoveries about MCH are an exciting way forward to helping to treat them.
To read more about this study you can visit https://www.fpwr.org/fpwr-funded-projects/mch-neuron-dysregulation-in-the-pathophysiology-of-prader-willi-syndrome-year-2 or watch https://youtu.be/tu2HNqm5pG4?si=ISfhW7W54bv24Jq2