Madina Ilzhanova
Class of 2026Almaty, Almaty
About
Hi! I'm Madina and I'm a senior in high school. My research is about neuroscience of sleep. I like snowboarding, journaling, listening to music and pottery :)Projects
- "Wired and Tired: A Sleep Science from Neurobiology to Daily Struggles" with mentor Sean (July 21, 2025)
Project Portfolio
Wired and Tired: A Sleep Science from Neurobiology to Daily Struggles
Started Jan. 22, 2025
Abstract or project description
Sleep is a complex biological process regulated by neural systems, circadian rhythms, environmental cues and more. Poor sleep quality has become a global public health concern, affecting nearly one-third of adults worldwide. This paper provides an overview of sleep biology, the causes of poor sleep, and its consequences for mental and physiological health. It outlines the structure and regulation of healthy sleep, followed by biological, behavioral, environmental, and genetic disruptions that can worsen sleep quality. It then examines common clinical sleep disorders - such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, hypersomnolence disorder and REM sleep behavior disorder - and reviews current medications. This paper aims to provide an interdisciplinary overview of sleep biology, explore the complex causes of poor sleep, and examine how its disruption affects nearly every aspect of human functioning.