## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) # My PD Story ![Xiaolin Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/My%20PD%20Story%20%284%29_1.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=f7cNjnlP) Researchers ## Xiaolin (Lindsay) Huang, PhD ***2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship*** ### Exploring the Neurochemistry Behind Parkinson’s-related Sleep Disruption The primary impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a [progressive loss of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons "What is Parkinson's?"). Dopamine is a small signaling molecule used by neurons to relay messages and commands important for many tasks, including coordinated movement. As dopamine levels decline over time, the ability to perform these tasks decreases and manifests as PD symptoms. It was recently discovered that dopamine likely plays a critical role in regulating sleep. People with PD often experience [disrupted sleep](/library/fact-sheets/sleep "Understanding Sleep Problems in Parkinson’s") as an [early symptom](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/stages "Stages of Parkinson's") of the disease, which significantly impairs health even before movement symptoms begin. Xiaolin (Lindsay) Huang, PhD, a recipient of a [Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship](/advancing-research/for-researchers/fellowships-early-career-awards "Fellowships & Early Career Awards"), is exploring the neurochemistry behind dopamine and sleep, generating new knowledge to guide future therapies that treat PD-associated sleep disruption. Research suggests that dopamine is important for waking up and staying awake. However, diminishing dopamine in PD does not lead to chronic sleepiness like this finding would suggest. Dr. Huang, under the mentorship of Yang Dan, PhD, at the University of California, Berkeley, is solving this puzzle by investigating how dopamine signaling coordinates with the “sleep pressure” molecule called **adenosine**, as well as how dopamine deficits affect a sleep-regulating region of the brain called the **medial** **substantia nigra pars reticulata** (mSNr). > “By uncovering the neural mechanisms driving PD-associated sleep disturbances, the study will shed light on a critical and underexplored aspect of the disease.” - Dr. Huang > > ![Dr. Huang working in lab](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/PD%20Stories%20Float%20%282%29.png?itok=y1XfS0Fi) While dopamine promotes wakefulness, adenosine promotes sleepiness. Adenosine accumulates in the brain throughout the day and eventually overwhelms dopamine levels, leading to growing tiredness until it is time for bed. Using mice with and without simulated PD, Dr. Huang will utilize highly sensitive brain monitoring techniques to observe how PD affects the balance between dopamine and adenosine and how that disruption may impact sleep behaviors. Additionally, previous research from Dr. Dan’s lab has revealed that the mSNr region of the brain is important for regulating sleep-wake behaviors. Using the same experimental PD mice, Dr. Huang will assess if and how dopamine loss impairs neuron activity in the mSNr region, further disrupting sleep patterns in those animals. Altogether, these investigations into how PD-related sleep disruption are related to adenosine levels and mSNr changes can lead to future research and treatment development addressing this debilitating non-movement PD symptom. When asked what this award means for her work and career in PD research, Dr. Huang said “Receiving the Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship is both an honor and a pivotal step in my scientific journey. Ultimately, the findings may inform the development of new therapies to improve sleep and enhance quality of life for people living with PD.” **Meet more Parkinson’s researchers! Explore our [My PD Stories featuring PD researchers](/node/273)**. ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Getting Involved in Research ](/library/fact-sheets/research) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/research) Fact Sheets ### [ Genetics ](/library/fact-sheets/genetics) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/genetics) Books ### [ Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda ](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) [Read Now](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Wilma van de Berg](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Wilma%20Van%20Berg%20Headshot.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=h2_ydEqq) Researchers ### [ Wilma van de Berg ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/wilma-van-de-berg) READ NOW ![Heba Deraz, MD, PhD Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Heba%20Deraz%2C%20MD%2C%20PhD.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=1EZm7iUx) Researchers ### [ Heba Deraz, MD, PhD ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/heba-deraz) READ NOW ![Patrick Lewis, PhD headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Patrick%20Lewis%2C%20PhD.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=gfrtN2FK) Researchers ### [ Patrick Lewis, PhD ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/patrick-lewis) READ NOW [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ### Share your Story Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share? [SUBMIT YOUR STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) ### Join the PD GENEration Today PD GENEration is an initiative that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease. [ENROLL NOW](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn