Paul Michael Macey

Paul Michael Macey is a Professor in the Nursing Department at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads a productive research program focused on neuroimaging and autonomic regulation in sleep disorders. His work primarily examines the neurological consequences of obstructive sleep apnea, with particular attention to gender differences and pain processing mechanisms. As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects, he has established himself as a significant contributor to sleep medicine research.

• Sex-specific brain injury and symptoms in sleep apnea (NIH R56NR017435, 2018-2020)
• GABA and glutamate changes underlying altered autonomic function in obstructive sleep apnea (NIH R01HL135562, 2018-2022)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Gender Biology, and Autonomic Regulation (NIH R01NR013693, 2013-2019)
• Gender Differences in Neural Deficits Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (NIH R21NR011230, 2009-2012)

Dr. Macey's research interests center on the neurological and physiological impacts of sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. His work employs advanced neuroimaging techniques including ultra-high field MRI to examine brain structure and function. A significant portion of his research investigates sex differences in how sleep apnea affects the brain and autonomic regulation, recognizing that men and women may experience different neurological consequences from the same condition. His recent work has expanded into pain processing mechanisms, migraine research, and the relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular function.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear progression in methodology, with increasing use of 7-Tesla MRI technology for more precise imaging of brain structures involved in pain processing and autonomic control. His research consistently demonstrates how obstructive sleep apnea alters brain chemistry (particularly GABA and glutamate levels), disrupts functional connectivity networks, and affects autonomic regulation. The gender-specific focus remains prominent across his publications, showing how neurological impacts differ between men and women.

Dr. Macey's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how sleep apnea affects brain structure, particularly in regions like the insular cortex, hippocampus, and brainstem structures involved in pain modulation. His work has helped establish connections between sleep-disordered breathing and altered pain processing, providing insights that could improve treatment approaches for patients with both sleep disorders and chronic pain conditions.

As a mentor and research leader, Dr. Macey has directed numerous NIH-funded projects examining the neurological consequences of sleep disorders. His laboratory regularly publishes high-impact research in top journals across neuroscience, sleep medicine, and neuroimaging fields. His collaborative approach is evident in the diverse author lists on his publications, which include researchers from multiple disciplines and institutions.