Andrew Darrell Krystal

My research is focused on better understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and mood disorders and developing improved treatments for these conditions. My primary research tools are: electroencepahlography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), computer signal analysis and modeling, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and positron emission tomograophy (PET). Nearly all of my projects have been carried out with humans, however, projects are ongoing with gene knock-out models in mice, and lemurs in collaboration with the Duke Primate Center. A few representative current studies are: 1) Defining physiologic (EEG, PSG, PET, fMRI) correlates of sleep complaints and subtyping insomnia on the basis of the associated pathophysiology, 2) Studying the relationship of EEG data recorded during non-REM sleep, daytime function, and insomnia treatment response, 3) Developing new pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for insomnia, 4) Studying the relationship of natural sleep and hibernation-like phenomena (torpor), 5) Predicting depression treatment response on the basis of pre-treatment EEG and structural MRI data.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2017 - Present Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

In the News

Published July 21, 2016

Duke to Participate in Early Clinical Trials for Emerging Neurological Therapies

Published January 21, 2016

Type A to ZZZ: The agony of industry insomnia

Published May 8, 2014

Dr. Andrew Krystal comments: Psychiatry's scientific reboot gets under way

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Recent Publications

Stereo-encephalography-guided multi-lead deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory obsessive compulsive disorder - Study design and individualized surgical targeting approach.

Journal Article J Affect Disord · June 1, 2026 INTRODUCTION: Treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (trOCD) is a complex network disorder that may require personalized treatment strategies due to disease heterogeneity. A multi-site, multi-stage, double-blinded, randomized crossover clinical ... Full text Link to item Cite

Sleep physiology associated with cognitive disengagement syndrome in adolescents with and without ADHD.

Journal Article Sleep Med · June 2026 OBJECTIVE: Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) is an attentional phenotype characterized by excessive daydreaming and hypoactivity that is distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Emerging research finds poorer sleep functioning to ... Full text Link to item Cite

Pharmacologic treatment data from chronic insomnia studies and the application to individuals with acute insomnia, a narrative review.

Journal Article Sleep Med Rev · April 2026 A variety of pharmacologic treatments are approved for insomnia, encompassing a range of mechanisms of action, including some treatments with published data in models of acute insomnia. However, most studies are conducted in individuals with chronic insomn ... Full text Link to item Cite

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Education

Duke University · 1987 M.D.

Andrew Darrell Krystal

Overview

Current Appointments & Affiliations

In the News

Recent Publications

Stereo-encephalography-guided multi-lead deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory obsessive compulsive disorder - Study design and individualized surgical targeting approach.

Sleep physiology associated with cognitive disengagement syndrome in adolescents with and without ADHD.

Pharmacologic treatment data from chronic insomnia studies and the application to individuals with acute insomnia, a narrative review.

Recent Grants

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening in Pregnant Women with Chronic Hypertension

KOR Phase 2A Study - Mod 3 (Advanced Understanding)

Modified KOR Phase 2A Study

Education