The goal of this project is to investigate two processes underlying increased pain vulnerability in the course of repeated exposure to insomnia: (1) Sensitization of the nociceptive system due to a progressive increase of the inflammatory response and (2) Decreased habituation to pain due to a progressive deterioration of the pain-inhibitory response. These two processes will be investigated in a novel model of repeated exposure to experimentally-induced insomnia symptoms. This research is fundamental for the future development of novel strategies targeting specific mechanisms to prevent or reduce pain exacerbated by insomnia.
