Memory and Sleep lab – UvA - University of Amsterdam

The group’s main research themes regard the interplay of sleep and wake time cognitive and emotional function. These themes are investigated both from a behavioural perspective and with regard to the underlying neural mechanisms. Research includes both fundamental and clinical topics.

Fundamental research
Fundamental research revolves around the role of sleep in information processing, addressing for instance the reorganisation of memory over time and sleep, information (re)processing during sleep and the role of sleep oscillations, such as spindles and slow waves, in consolidation and reorganization type processes. Substantial research effort also regards the relation between sleep and emotional processing, with special attention again for sleep physiological and neural mechanisms. A program with high societal interest regards the sleep characteristics of adolescents in relation to performance.

Clinical research
Clinically oriented studies address the relation between sleep problems and cognitive/emotional deficits in neurological and psychological disorders. A current programs regards the interplay between emotional memory processing deficits and sleep problems in PTSD. Another concerns cognitive problems related to sleep disordered breathing and cognitive rehabilitation. Further lines of research regard new treatment strategies for insomnia.

Facilities
Laboratory description: 2 bedroom sleep laboratory, control room, large lounge, kitchen and bathroom facilities. Possibility for circadian rhythm studies.