National Institutes of Health Sleep Research Plan | NHLBI

Advancing the Science of Sleep and Circadian Research

Last updated December 13, 2021

This plan presents a vision that advances the mission of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research and builds on almost three decades of unparalleled success by sleep and circadian researchers. The five strategic goals and tactics demonstrate how the sleep and circadian sciences can advance medicine and promote public health. Additionally, the nine critical opportunities (CO) highlight the potential to broaden the landscape of biomedical sciences in the context of sleep and circadian research.

Strategic Goals and Tactics to Achieve Them

The strategic goals are long-term objectives that, if reached, have the potential to change the landscape of sleep and circadian research. They set research priorities and benchmarks that will improve our scientific knowledge, transform health care, and advance public health and safety and the well-being of the nation.
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Sleep and Circadian Mechanisms Underlying Health and Disease

Goal 1

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Risk Reduction and Treatment of Sleep and Circadian Disorders

Goal 2

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Clinical Implementation of Sleep and Circadian Research

Goal 3

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Sleep and Circadian Disruptions and Health Disparities

Goal 4

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Sleep and Circadian Biology Research Workforce Development

Goal 5

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Tactics

to Address Research Goals in Sleep and Circadian Biology

Critical Opportunities

The nine critical opportunities are timely and actionable research directions with the potential to significantly impact sleep, circadian, and biomedical sciences across the translational spectrum.

Read the Critical Opportunities
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Executive Letters

Vision and insights from Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the NIH, and Dr. Marishka Brown, Director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research.

Read the letters
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About the Plan

An overview of the 2021 NIH Sleep Research Plan and its development.

 


 

Learn about the Plan's Development

Executive Summary

A brief history of the NIH Sleep Research Plan, milestones in sleep and circadian research, and the 2021 NIH Sleep Research Plan strategic goals and critical opportunities.

Download the Executive Summary

Downloadable Document

The full 31-page PDF of the 2021 NIH Sleep Research plan is available to print or download.

Download the Plan