Daniel Kay

Host: Francesca Siclari, Siclari group.
Email: f.siclari@nin.knaw.nl

Guest speaker:
Daniel B. Kay, Ph.D., DBSM
Associate Professor of Psychology
Brigham Young University

Title: Uncovering the Pathophysiology of Insomnia with Sleep Neuroimaging.

Abstract:
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep despite adequate opportunity, resulting in daytime impairment. The hyperarousal model is the most commonly used framework to explain its pathophysiology. However, recent advances in sleep neuroimaging techniques have enhanced our understanding of insomnia, revealing mechanisms beyond hyperarousal. Studies utilizing positron emission tomography (PET), high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have identified abnormal connectivity patterns and altered regional brain activity across sleep-wake states. By pinpointing specific brain circuits associated with insomnia during both sleep and wakefulness, sleep neuroimaging can inform the development of more targeted treatments. In this presentation, Dr. Kay will discuss his sleep neuroimaging studies on insomnia, focusing on PET and EEG-fMRI methodologies. Dr. Daniel Kay is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University. His research focuses on understanding the relationship between sleep and mental health, with a particular emphasis on insomnia and its relationship to suicidality. Dr. Kay is dedicated to advancing sleep psychology through research, clinical practice, and educating the next generation of sleep scientists and clinicians.