Our research in sleep disorders

Although sleep has been studied for more than 100 years, the precise function of sleep and its components remains elusive. Our research aims to diagnose the causes and effects of disturbed sleep in children, and direct treatments for breathing-related sleep disorders such as chronic and habitual snoring.

Our work builds upon the discoveries of Dr Christian Guilleminault, a Stanford University physician and pioneer in sleep medicine who played a central role in the early discovery of obstructive sleep apnea in children (pauses in breathing during sleep) and its relationship with hypertension and other day-time problems during the 1970s. By studying the impact of sleep fragmentation on vascular responsiveness, inflammation, memory, concentration and behaviour, we have successfully linked sleep breathing problems to a number of day-time problems in children, including neurocognitive deficits, behavioural problems and cardiovascular changes.

Given the power of sleep to advance or inhibit the growth of the brain during childhood, our work is at the forefront of current medical research. We hope to use our research findings to further knowledge about the specific functions of sleep during child development, and assist in preventing adult sleep-related illnesses that originate in childhood.