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International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba


Sleep duration, timing, and quality: how smartphone data predict labor productivity

A study analyzing smartphone-based sleep data from over 80,000 Japanese workers found associations between short and long sleep duration, sleep latency, and social jetlag with presenteeism scores. These factors can predict labor productivity loss, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions to improve sleep health.

Hibernation-like hypothermia suppresses neuroinflammation and promotes functional recovery after brain injury

Researchers at University of Tsukuba developed a technique to induce a deep hypothermic state, termed QIH, which significantly attenuated inflammation-associated glial cells and preserved neuronal integrity. This hibernation-like hypothermia may provide a safer and clinically viable therapeutic strategy for traumatic brain injuries.

Memory consolidation requires reactivation of only three neurons during sleep

A study found that memories acquired while awake are stored in a more permanent form during REM sleep, requiring the reactivation of only three adult-born neurons involved in memory formation. This process is synchronized with theta rhythm activity and essential for proper memory function.

Moderate-to-regular daily sleep patterns are associated with enhanced cognitive function

A new study published in Sleep Medicine found that daily sleep patterns have a significant impact on cognitive function. Researchers discovered that individuals with moderate-to-regular sleep patterns performed better in cognitive assessments than those with highly irregular or rigid sleep patterns.

Developing a new analysis method for capturing long-term brain activity in freely moving mice

Researchers have developed CaliAli, an advanced analytical framework that aligns calcium imaging data across multiple sessions, allowing for the continuous tracking of individual neurons. This breakthrough enables long-term brain activity studies and advances understanding of memory formation, retention, and neurological diseases.

Gamified sleep-tracking app improves sleep and reduces body mass index in some users

A recent study by the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine found that a gamified sleep-tracking mobile application improved sleep parameters, including total sleep time and sleep latency, among participants. The study also showed that these improvements correlated with reduced body mass index (BMI) in some users.

Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study

A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.

Identifying the neural mechanism that regulates social behavior with strangers

Researchers discovered that activating NPBWR1 neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala enhances social interactions with novel individuals. This study also found that overexpressing the human NPBWR1 gene in mouse neurons reduces sociability, highlighting the importance of genetic variations in personality traits.

The reliability of subjective reports of sleep duration and quality: Insights from in-home electroencephalography

Research found that 66% of individuals who perceived their sleep as poor showed no objective sleep problems, while 45% of those who considered their sleep sufficient were identified as potentially sleep-deprived. The study highlights the inadequacy of relying solely on subjective sleep assessments and emphasizes the importance of incor...

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2025

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

Light-activated drugs targeting adenosine A2A receptors in the brain that induce sleep

Researchers developed a novel light-sensitive drug that enhances extracellular adenosine activity, inducing sleep artificially without genetic modification. The drug overcomes issues with conventional photosensitive drugs, showcasing optochemistry's potential in targeting A2A receptors and regulating brain function.