The researcher discusses the history and role of the Quebec Sleep Research Network, a new partner of cinEXmedia.
Sophie Leclair-Tremblay
The cinEXmedia partnership recently joined forces with the Quebec Sleep Research Network in order to benefit from the expertise of its members on various health science issues. Neuropsychologist and professor in the Department of Psychology at Université de Montréal, Nadia Gosselin, who co-directs the organization—also known as the “Sleep Network”—alongside Adrien Peyrache, researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, spoke with us about this new collaboration and the projects ahead for both organizations.
Nadia Gosselin is quick to point out that her role as co-director is not to produce studies herself, but rather to “offer funding opportunities to researchers who wish to develop their own projects.” “The Sleep Network is especially useful for students who already have an interest in sleep, dreams, or nightmares, but who are unsure how scholarships and grants work. We can also sometimes help refine their research ideas.”
The organization also offers a range of scientific events aimed at training the next generation. Conferences, workshops, and other academic activities are organized throughout the year to bring together people or institutions working on related topics.
A Growing Interest in Sleep Studies and Media
The Sleep Network was launched in April 2024, following financial support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). It aligns with the FRQ’s broader objectives, which include linking health science research to other fields, such as the social sciences and the arts.
Given that many researchers in Canada—particularly at Université de Montréal—are investigating sleep as part of their work, the creation of the network “naturally took shape” last year, says Gosselin. A consultation process was then launched to identify which areas of research should be prioritized within the network. “That’s when we reached out to the cinEXmedia partnership and realized just how much interest researchers—but also citizens and patients—have in the effects of media on sleep.”
With a PhD in neuropsychology, Gosselin holds the Research Chair in Sleep Disorders and Brain Health and is a researcher at the Centre for Advanced Studies at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal. She believes that this topic has become “virtually unavoidable” in clinical sleep research, given how present screens are in our lives.
She also describes her extensive experience as “complementary” to that of the network’s co-director, Adrien Peyrache. While Gosselin’s work focuses on sleep disorders in humans—such as sleep apnea, hypersomnolence, and narcolepsy—and their connection to brain function, Peyrache is more involved in fundamental research with animals, especially in exploring how sleep affects memory across different species.
“Very pleased” with this new collaboration with cinEXmedia, Nadia Gosselin is excited to delve deeper into the topic of screens and media starting this year.