About this Research Topic
RBD is a prodromal alpha-synucleinopathy, and phenotypic characterization may allow identification of dynamics of progression and type of phenoconversion. A precise phenotyping of people with CDH, in particular those without hypocretin deficiency, may allow a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and improve treatment approach.
Biomarkers are increasingly investigated in these diseases, and the application of novel technologies and advanced analysis approaches relevantly adds to this field.
This Research Topic aims to increase the knowledge of biomarkers in REM sleep behavior disorder and central disorders of hypersomnolence, bringing together cutting-edge research. Merging two different sleep medicine topics, the common focus on biomarkers will pave the way for novel approaches, including (but not limited to) the use of novel technologies (e.g. wearables and nearables, biofluid markers) and analysis approaches (e.g. artificial intelligence based methods).
Achieving a deeper insight into different biomarkers would allow a more precise phenotypic characterization of people with RBD, paving the way for general population screening and for the enrichment of cohorts to be included in future trials with neuromodulating or neuroprotective drugs. Similarly, in disorders of central hypersomnolence improved phenotypic characterization through biomarkers would allow a deeper insight on the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
We welcome any types of manuscripts supported by Frontiers in Sleep on biomarkers in REM sleep behavior disorders and central disorders of hypersomnolence, pertaining but not limited to the following:
- Sleep physiologic biomarkers, obtained with video-polysomnography or with ambulatory sleep monitoring approaches.
- Disease biomarkers in RBD, in particular, based on biofluid analysis, and their potential usefulness as screening tool.
- Biomarkers of progression of the neurodegenerative process in RBD, and those indicating high risk of short-term phenoconversion, with relevance to future trials investigating neuroprotective drugs.
- Biomarkers of type of phenoconversion in RBD, allowing personalized patient approaches for what concerns counseling and likely also individualized treatment approaches in the future.
- Use of wearables and nearables monitoring both sleep metrics and physiologic markers in general, to improve phenotyping of both RBD and central disorders of hypersomnolence.
- Artificial intelligence-based methods to analyze a combination of biomarkers and to perform advanced analyses improving phenotypic characterization of both RBD and central disorders of hypersomnolence.
Keywords: RBD, REM sleep behavior disorder, prodromal RBD, RWA, REM sleep without atonia, alpha-synuclein, narcolepsy, hypocretin, CDH, idiopathic hypersomnia, IH, artificial intelligence, AI, wearables, nearables, imaging, neuroimaging.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.