Sleep
One third of our lifespan is dedicated to sleep, yet the complex mechanisms involved in this fundamental state remain an important topic of research. Currently, there is significant interest in understanding the role of different brain oscillations in promoting restorative and health-promoting effects of sleep.
Our research uses non-invasive brain stimulation systems before and during sleep to modulate sleep characteristics without interrupting ongoing sleep. This allows us to specifically investigate how changes in brain oscillations during sleep translate to dynamic effects on the cardiovascular system and how these changes are related to physiological and psychological functions. Furthermore, we aim to understand the dynamics of brain-body interactions during sleep that are involved in sleep resilience and hygiene. To this end, our lab has pioneered a novel protocol utilizing pupillometry to derive real-time arousal levels throughout sleep.
By integrating these advanced methodologies, our goal is to provide a paradigm-shifting comprehension of the specific mechanisms orchestrating restorative and health-promoting aspects of sleep. Through this research, we aim to unravel the intricate processes underpinning healthy sleep across the lifespan.
Sleep science to society: Embedding sleep as a structural pillar of public health
Sleep is a fundamental biological requirement with far‑reaching effects on cognition, mental health, and chronic disease risk. Although research has clarified these links, many insights have yet to influence the structures that guide daily life. In Switzerland more than one‑third of adults report sleep problems, highlighting the need for systemic solutions. The Sleep Lab at ETH addresses this challenge by translating robust evidence into practical recommendations for education, healthcare, workplaces, and public policy. Working closely with stakeholders it designs and validates sleep‑supportive interventions that fit real‑world contexts, aiming to embed sleep principles in routine decisions and environments and to establish restorative sleep as a cornerstone of public health.