Brain Networks Underlying Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption (SCRD) in Mental Health

In this proposal we hypothesise that there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and circadian rhythms and functional brain networks that play a key role in mental health. In particular, the salience network - a network of brain regions that directs attention - has been implicated in both sleep disorders and a range of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety and psychosis. This common mechanism provides a novel hypothesis for exploring the bidirectional links between sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) and mental illness. We will explore these mechanistic links using both human participants and mouse models. Firstly, we will explore how effective sleep interventions modify disease-relevant functional networks. Secondly, we will interrogate existing large datasets to investigate associations between functional networks, sleep and mental health traits. Thirdly, we will use mouse models to characterise the neural circuits underlying the bidirectional links between SCRD and functional networks - such as the salience network - that are known to play a role in mental health. Together, our proposed studies will provide the first evidence for common neural mechanisms underlying the links between SCRD and mental illness, providing new biomarkers and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.