Richard Horner

Research Synopsis

Sleep modifies brain activity and vital autonomic functions such as breathing. These modifications predispose individuals to sleep and breathing disorders, and a diminished ability to arouse from sleep in response to respiratory distress. Depression of brain activity and breathing also occur with commonly used prescription and non-prescription sedating agents such as hypnotics, anesthetics and opioid analgesics. Evidence now indicates that the common and serious (and at times life-threatening) problems of sleep and sedation-induced depression of brain activity, arousal responses and breathing may be working through common brain pathways acting on common cellular mechanisms. To identify these common pathways and mechanisms is the current focus of our research. Through our links to other collaborating research teams and infrastructure - via Sleep and Biological Rhythms Toronto, a CIHR Team Research and Training Program, and the Integrative Program in Sleep, Sedation and Anesthetic Sciences - we are positioned to drive and coordinate citywide translational collaborative research and educational initiatives spanning basic science to public health.