Aims of the Study
To study the relationship between sleep and circadian health and affective experiences, we are using a broad approach that includes the use of physiological, behavioural and attitudinal markers. We are particularly interested in the mediating role of cognitive control and how it may buffer or emphasize the negative impacts of disturbances in sleep and circadian health.
Understanding these relationships will potentially help us to develop interventions to meet the outstanding challenge. Understanding these relationships will potentially help us to develop interventions to support the outstanding challenges of sleep and circadian disturbances.
Our sleep and circadian health are directly impacted by changes in our environment, namely by light exposure and temperature. To capture these influences, we designed a longitudinal study that will cover the 4 seasons of the year.
Our Funder and Project Partners
The study is a collaborative project between: Kent and Medway Medical School, the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Liverpool, and King’s College London. Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership (KMPT) and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) are also partners in the project supporting the study with patient engagement and support with the recruitment of participants for this research.
The study is funded by The Wellcome Trust.
This award funds teams researching the interdependent roles of sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions in the development and resolution of anxiety, depression and/or psychosis.
Who can take part in the study?
The research team are looking to monitor sleep and circadian health in 3 groups of people between the ages of 18 to 55 years old :
Healthy populations:
- have regular work schedules (e.g. 9-5pm)
- no personal or family history of psychosis or depressive symptoms
- no sleep or affective disorders
The project adopts an innovative approach to sleep and circadian health assessment in a ‘real world’ setting that allows participants to complete the study activities while continuing their daily activities at home or at work. We will utilise wearable technology to capture participants sleep patterns and activity levels, with participants wearing a small wrist and light device, combined with sleep diaries and short cognitive activities that will be delivered across the day to participants via a smartphone application.
Each phase is 14 days in length. This assessment phase is repeated across the 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) with dates scheduled according to the participants’ preference and availability. The project aims to capture fluctuations in sleep and circadian health across these seasons.
For further information regarding eligibility criteria, and details on how to take part in the study, check out our study poster or contact the team at our study email address: chip-d@kmms.ac.uk
Meet the team
The Wellcome Trust project team comprises a diverse range of skilled practitioners and researchers. This multi-disciplinary team will be led by Professor Sukhwinder Shergill, Director of Research at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), and Director of Research and Innovation for the mental health trust Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership (KMPT). With support from the Co-Investigators, Research team and collaborators at partnering organisations with lived experience, finally with logistical support from the Project Coordinator.
Find out more about the team behind the project here.
