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Randomised Controlled Trial Of Melatonin For Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,136.00
Summary
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a sleep disorder affecting 7-16% of adolescents and young adults. It is associated with poor health and impaired academic and social functioning. We will test in a randomised controlled trial whether the hormone melatonin can be used as a treatment for DSPD. We will also assess whether genetic factors are linked to treatment outcome. The study will provide a much-needed standardised diagnostic and treatment approach for DSPD.
Hyper-sensitivity Of The Circadian System To Light In Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,858.00
Summary
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a difficulty in initiating sleep at night and difficulty in waking at times required for work or school. It is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced academic and work performance, increased anxiety and depression and reduced quality of life. This study examines increased sensitivity of the brain's 24-hour biological clock to light as a cause of the abnormal timing of sleep in DSPD.
Evaluating The Effect Of Morphine On Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,303.00
Summary
Prescription opiate poisoning deaths have increased substantially in recent years which may be worsened by population increases in obesity and related obstructive sleep apnea. However, no proper clinical trial has ever investigated the effect of an opiate on obstructive sleep apnea, which is the aim of the proposed trial. The study will be important in understanding ways to reduce opiate realted deaths and may also provide insights into new treatment methods for snoring and sleep apnea.
Prevalence, Phenotype And Genotype Of Common Sleep Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,465,164.00
Summary
There is a critical need for more information on the prevalence and genetic basis of sleep disorders. The proposed study will leverage off data already collected from participants of the WA (Raine) pregnancy cohort, an internationally unique longitudinal study of 2,868 individuals followed over the last 23 yrs with comprehensive assessments starting in utero, continuing through childhood and into early adulthood.The study will replicate this battery of tests in the parents of these young adults.
Clarifying The Pathogenic Role Of Arousal-hyperventilation In Obstructive And Central Sleep Apnoea: Testing Fundamental Pathophysiological Mechanisms And A Strategic New Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,717.00
Summary
This project is designed to understand the mechanisms underpinning much more stable breathing during deep sleep in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A newly developed analytical technique will be used to examine breathing effort changes across sleep, and interactions with respiratory-induced awakenings in OSA patients. In addition, a new treatment designed to stabilise breathing will be tested and refined towards a new treatment option for OSA and for central sleep apnoea.
Novel Therapeutic Phenotyping For Sleep Apnoea - A Paradoxical Role For Sedatives
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,168.00
Summary
Sleeping pill (sedative) use has risen dramatically. Sedatives may worsen a common breathing condition called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Accordingly, their use has been discouraged in OSA. However, recent studies indicate that certain sedatives may actually reduce OSA severity in some patients. By studying the effects of common sedatives on OSA and breathing, this proposal aims to explain these apparent paradoxical responses and ultimately provide a new treatment approach for OSA.
Discovering Deep Sleep Genes And Determining Their Roles For Preserving Cognitive Functions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,901.00
Summary
Our mental well-being is largely tied to our sleep quality, and most cognitive disorders are also associated with poor sleep processes. Yet, we still do not know how sleep quality safeguards cognitive function. We will uncover genes that play a restorative role during deep sleep, and determine how genetic control of these deep sleep genes modulates selective attention in an animal model. Our results will suggest novel therapies for treating sleep disorders and associated diseases of the brain.
Quantifying The Ventilatory Control Contribution To Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Using Clinical Polysomnography
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,995.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a highly prevalent condition with limited treatment options. New research shows that many patients have sleep apnoea because of a hypersensitive control of breathing (instability). Yet there is no way to measure instability and target it clinically. We aim to refine and apply a powerful new method to measuring breathing instability using a conventional sleep study, to allow treatments for sleep apnoea to be targeted at those patients who will respond most effectively.
Sleep Disturbance And Cholinergic Degeneration In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,912.00
Summary
The largest class of drugs given to Alzheimer's disease patients aims to increase the function of cholinergic neurons that degenerate early in the disease. We will test whether disturbed sleep, which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline are caused by neurodegeneration of these neurons, and whether early treatment can slow disease progression.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects 800,000 Australians and cost the country billions of dollars per year. Immediate daytime consequences of OSA are neurocognitive impairments leading to 200-700% increase in accident risks and a low quality of life. Longer-term consequences include high risk for diabetes and heart disease. There are no simple tests for assessing neurocognitive impairment in OSA. The project develops an automated test to administer neurocognitive functions.