Xiaohongshu
- Hosted by Dementia Research Society
The UCL Dementia Research Society and Neuroscience Society is delighted to host a talk by Professor Bill Wisden (FMedSci FRS), Chair in Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London.
đź“… Date: 19 March
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
đź“Ť Location: G02 Watson LT, Medawar Building
Sleep occupies one third of our lives — yet why we spend so much time in this vulnerable state remains one of biology’s enduring mysteries. Like hunger and thirst, the drive to sleep is a powerful biological force that builds during wakefulness and dissipates during sleep. But what exactly generates this drive?
Professor Wisden’s research investigates the neuronal mechanisms underlying the sleep drive and explores whether sedative drugs induce unconsciousness by activating the same neural circuits as natural sleep. Using genetic approaches to “tag” and study specific neurons, his lab aims to uncover how these circuits function — and whether a deeper understanding of sleep biology could lead to safer sedatives with fewer side effects, or even drugs that replicate the restorative benefits of natural sleep.
In this talk, Professor Wisden will discuss emerging insights into sleep mechanisms and how disrupted sleep may contribute to dementia risk — an increasingly urgent question in ageing research.
We look forward to seeing you there!