Sleep research

At UMC Utrecht, our passion is sleep, and we are determined to unravel its mysteries.

Unraveling the mysteries of sleep

At UMC Utrecht, our passion is sleep, and we are determined to unravel its mysteries. Sleep is not just a necessary daily activity but an essential part of our well-being and functioning. Thus, we aim to gather scientific knowledge about the origins, evolution, and functions of sleep, to gain a deeper insight into this fascinating phenomenon.

In our Sleep Discovery Lab, we investigate and analyze how chemical and physical processes in our brains work and affect sleep patterns. We seek to understand how our brain reacts during the different stages of sleep, and which factors influence the quality and duration of it. A key goal of our lab is to discover the mechanisms within and outside our body that cause disturbances in the sleep system. By better understanding the causes of sleep problems, we can develop more targeted interventions and treatments to help people achieve better sleep

Sleep discovery lab

Collaborations

We collaborate with institutions such as the Princes Maxima Center and De Hoogstraat. Our research is dedicated to understanding the impact of sleep on brain development, the immune system, and the progression of diseases in both children and adults.

Sleep and Sport: FC Utrecht

Our collaboration with national league, Utrecht-based soccer club FC Utrecht centers on the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. This collaboration involves rigorous research and the development of innovations, with a significant contribution from students.

Tune into our podcast featuring Jeroen Dudink and Bas Blom discussing the importance of sleep for top athletes.

Sleep as Medicine

Discover through our video (in Dutch) how sleep is critical for patient recovery in hospitals. Our goal is to transform into a sleep-friendly hospital, recognizing sleep’s role in healing.