On October 16, 2024, the NATO Neurostimulation Committee visited the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s (WRAIR) Sleep Research Center (SRC). Hosted by Dr. Tracy Jill Doty, Chief of the SRC, the visit focused on learning about ongoing fatigue mitigation research using neurostimulation.
The NATO Neurostimulation Committee is a working group of leading researchers in neuroscience, cognition, and brain function. Established in July 2024, the committee addresses common limitations in neurostimulation research by conducting large-scale, multi-laboratory experiments across multiple countries. Its mission is to advance the understanding of cognitive performance enhancement through robust and thorough investigations. The committee’s work centers on neurostimulation, a field that encompasses various technologies and techniques for targeting specific brain regions. Dr. Doty, an expert in sleep and fatigue, provides valuable insights to these efforts.
“The committee didn’t previously have an expert in sleep and fatigue, but it’s a critical area where neurostimulation technology could make a substantial impact,” Dr. Doty explained. “Applying neurostimulation to maintain brain health under fatigue conditions is a growing field, and this partnership between the committee and the SRC is a natural fit.”
The SRC contributes to the committee’s international research efforts by developing brain stimulation methods to enhance slow-wave sleep and help service members maintain alertness during extended operations. These capabilities, including pioneering advancements in slow-wave sleep enhancement, have been a hallmark of the SRC’s work.
Service members often face challenges such as insufficient sleep or limited rest periods, which significantly impair cognitive performance and mission readiness. Studies show that a single night of sleep deprivation can impair alertness and cognition to levels comparable to a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration.
“The Sleep Research Center is at the forefront of neurostimulation technology,” said Dr. Doty. “We’re eager to explore new opportunities to advance this technology for military applications.”
Although still in its early stages, this collaboration between the SRC and the NATO Neurostimulation Committee holds significant promise for improving service members’ cognitive resilience and overall brain health.
Story by Zeke Gonzalez
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research