From Clinical to Research: Harnessing Data from the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory
Description
In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of good quality sleep for health. We will also review how clinical sleep study data is harnessed to be used for research at the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory. Furthermore, we will describe the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory Health Data Nexus dataset. Finally, we will discuss future applications for sleep and AI.
Learning Objectives
• To review why good quality sleep is necessary for optimal health.
• To discuss how the clinical operations of the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory capture valuable research data.
• To describe the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory Health Data Nexus dataset.
• To discuss future applications for sleep and AI.
About the Co-Presenter
Dr. Mark Boulos is a Stroke & Sleep Neurologist, Associate Professor, and Senior Scientist in the Division of Neurology at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Boulos serves as the Medical Lead for the Sunnybrook Sleep Laboratory and Program Director for the Sleep Neurology Fellowship Program at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boulos oversees an active research program that investigates the association of sleep disorders with TIA/stroke, dementia, and other neurological disorders. In addition, he has an interest in AI, machine learning, home sleep monitoring, normative sleep data, and novel treatment interventions for managing sleep disorders. Dr. Boulos has published more than 90 peer-reviewed journal articles, and many book chapters, abstracts, and poster presentations. Furthermore, he has secured funding on dozens of grants, approximating more than 4.5 million dollars as PI/co-PI. Moreover, he has been a mentor to more than 100 trainees, and many of his students are lead authors of the resulting publications. In 2025, Dr. Boulos was awarded by the American Academy of Neurology the Sleep Science Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to sleep research.
About the Co-Presenter
Sarah Berger is a Research Coordinator at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She is currently the lead research coordinator for Dr. Mark Boulos, managing and conducting more than 15 active research projects and clinical trials. She is mainly involved with investigating the diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders. She previously completed a Master of Science in Psychology at Western University in the Cognitive Developmental Brain Sciences program, studying the association between sleep and learning. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Queen’s University.
