Takashi Abe

Our laboratory studies human sleep and sleepiness in the fields of behavioral science, psychophysiology, and neuroscience. Currently, we are conducting research on three main topics: (1) understanding sleepiness, (2) understanding the psychological functions of sleep, and (3) developing novel methods for measuring sleep and wakefulness. (1) Understanding sleepiness: It is well known that sleep loss causes fluctuations in response times. This phenomenon is called “state instability.” However, the neural and physiological basis of state instability is not yet fully understood. We are conducting studies to elucidate the characteristics of state instability and the neural and physiological basis of this phenomenon. In addition, we are also investigating the factors that determine “sleepiness” that cannot be explained by conventional sleep-wake models. (2) Understanding the psychological functions of sleep: This research is being conducted in order to understand the psychological functions of human sleep. In particular, we are investigating the psychological effects of sleep intervention by administering stimuli during sleep. (3) Developing novel methods for measuring sleep and wakefulness: Currently, sleep and wakefulness are measured with electroencephalography and performance tests. We are developing objective and unobtrusive methods to more easily measure sleep and wakefulness.