Neural Regulation of Arousal States

The overarching goal of our research program is to understand the neural regulation of states of arousal, including naturally occurring spontaneous (sleep, wakefulness) and pharmacologically induced altered (anesthesia, psychedelic) states. In addition to our focus on understanding the neural circuits and processes that underlie the generation of these states, we use these natural and pharmacologically induced states as model systems to study the neural substrates of consciousness. We are also interested in the interfaces between sleep and anesthesia and are currently conducting studies to understand the interaction between sedation and sleep homeostasis.

A mechanistic study of these varied states of arousal and the larger question of consciousness is not only important for a better understanding of fundamental neurobiological principles, but also have direct translational impact. The ability to manipulate wake promoting circuits to enhance recovery of consciousness from unconscious states has the potential to help expedite recovery from disorders of consciousness and possibly from anesthesia while insights into the interfaces between sedation and sleep will allow for the characterization of a sedative regimen that may provide sleep-like benefits and facilitate patient recovery in the perioperative and critical care.

Given the enormity of the question of consciousness and the complexity involved in studying states of arousal, we take a multi-disciplinary collaborative approach to our work and have formed excellent collaborations with colleagues within the Department of Anesthesiology as well as units across the University of Michigan.