Clinical Research Directory

Experimental Manipulation of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms and the Role Played on Reward Function in Teens

Adolescence is a time of heightened reward sensitivity and greater impulsivity. On top of this, many teenagers experience chronic sleep deprivation and misalignment of their circadian rhythms due to biological shifts in their sleep/wake patterns paired with early school start times. Many studies find that this increases the risk for substance use (SU). However, what impact circadian rhythm and sleep disruption either together or independently have on the neuronal circuitry that controls reward and cognition, or if there are interventions that might help to modify these disruptions is unknown. Project 2 (P2) of the CARRS center will test an innovative and mechanistic model of brain circuitry that uses multi-method approaches, takes a developmental perspective, and incorporates key sleep and reward constructs.

Lemborexant in Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether Lemborexant is more effective than placebo in shortening sleep onset latency in patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome (both type 1 and type 2). This will be tracked using sleep logs as well as actigraphy. In this 2-year study, the investigators will examine if Lemborexant administered 5-10 mg nightly taken at desired bedtime (at least 2 hours prior to self-reported sleep onset habitual time) can improve the symptoms of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome.

Pathophysiology of Circadian Rhythm Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder

The goal of this study is to understand factors that contribute to delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD). The investigators will examine whether patients with DSWPD exhibit alterations in circadian rhythms and sensitivity to light compared to healthy controls. The investigators will also test a new method of predicting circadian rhythms form a blood sample.