Objective
Sleep often escapes us when we need it or intrudes when we would prefer to stay awake. What if we could control when we fall asleep? While our understanding of sleep has rapidly grown, what happens during the wake to sleep transition remains mysterious, potentially due to the widespread assumption that we are either awake or asleep. The current standard is to define vigilance states through coarse, physiological criteria that are visually assessed on fixed, 30s-epochs. In this framework, the sleep onset period (SOP) typically corresponds to the first sleep stage. Yet, this classification in discrete sleep stages fails to account for the gradual, dynamic changes observed in the descent to sleep, on the behavioral (reduced responsiveness to stimuli), subjective (dream-like experiences called hypnagogia) and cognitive level (decline in executive functions, enhanced creativity).
To better understand how we transition from full vigilance to sleep, I propose to integrate, within the same framework the many dimensions of the sleep onset process. I hypothesize that the behavioral, subjective, and cognitive changes associated with the SOP are each reflected by specific neurophysiological signatures that are partially independent of sleep stages. I recently found candidate physiological markers for the different SOP dimensions. In CREADOZE, I will leverage on these findings to refine in space and time the neurophysiological signatures reflecting the processes which decline (behavioral responsiveness, executive abilities) and those which emerge (hypnagogia, creativity) during the SOP, using multimodal physiological recordings. I will explore how these markers fluctuate in relation to each other and identify potential factors influencing them (sleep pressure; sleep disorder). Then, I will use neurofeedback to train individuals to either resist or embrace sleep. If successful, this proposal will open the possibility to harness the sleep onset period depending on one’s needs.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-COG
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75654 PARIS
France
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