Establishing The Physiological And Sleep Disruption Characteristics Of Wind Farm Versus Traffic Noise Disturbances In Sleep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,357,652.00
Summary
Good sleep is essential for normal daytime functioning and health. Wind farm noise includes audible and unusually low frequency sound components, including infrasound, that could potentially disturb sleep through chronic sleep disruption and/or insomnia. This project will, for the first time, directly evaluate the sleep and physiological disturbance characteristics of wind farm noise compared to traffic noise reproduced in a specialised and carefully controlled laboratory environment.
Mechanisms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,214.00
Summary
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn and acid burning) are extremely common in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), especially during sleep (nocturnal reflux). The reasons for this are unclear. This research project will investigate the reasons for this increased occurrence of reflux in OSA.
What Role Do Cerebral Hypoxia And Sleep Disruption Play In The Neurocognitive Effects Of Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,957.00
Summary
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) describes a spectrum of disorders caused by obstruction of the upper airway during sleep from simple primary snoring (PS) to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Findings of our recently studies have provided strong evidence that all levels of SDB severity including PS are associated with neurocognitive and behavioural deficits. In this study we will investigate the mechanisms of which underpin these deficits.
The Impact Of Sleep Disturbance On Cardiometabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,223.00
Summary
Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strate ....Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strategies that could improve health in shiftworkers.Read moreRead less
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.
Sleep, Plasticity And Neurodegeneration: Targeting Sleep To Improve Cognition In Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,116.00
Summary
Older individuals with mild cognitive impairment commonly experience disturbed sleep and about 50% will convert to dementia. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance mediates cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Optimising sleep presents a novel strategy to slow disease progression. This new research program explores links between sleep and dementia to identify new biomarkers of disease progression and new targeted therapeutic approaches to improve quality of life for older Australians.
Early Detection Of Pulmonary Exacerbation In Cystic Fibrosis Using Nocturnal Measurements Of Cough And Sleep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal inherited disorder effecting Australians, is a medical success story, with survival increasing from 5 years in 1970 to 40 years now. However, lower respiratory tract infections remain the major problem in CF. This project will develop and test a simple, non-invasive device to detect early chest infections, allowing early treatment, improving quality of life and preventing lung scarring. Less hospitalisations will benefit both patients and hospitals.
The Kids Aren’t Alright: Preventing Depression In Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,715.00
Summary
Depression frequently emerges for the first-time during adolescence. This project examines ways to prevent depression in young people by: (i) partnering with schools to deliver broad universal programs to students through the education system, and (ii) treating sleep disturbance, a powerful but non-stigmatised risk factor for onset of depression. Findings from this research will inform innovative ways to address the depression crisis through the optimisation of prevention approaches.
Sleep-wake Disturbances And Cardio-metabolic Dysfunction In At Risk Dementia: A Novel Pathway In Neurocognitive Decline’
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,305.00
Summary
Age-related sleep and circadian disturbance and cardio-metabolic dysfunction are associated with an increased risk of dementia. This research aims to delineate the pathway in which sleep and circadian disturbances and cardio-metabolic dysfunction promote cognitive decline during the ‘at risk’ dementia phase. This will improve our understanding of key processes in cognitive ageing ultimately leading to the development of targeted intervention programs in the quest to delay the onset of dementia.
Impact Of Sleep In Pregnancy On Maternal And Child Weight-related Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The project aims to reduce obesity in future generations by understanding the link between sleep in pregnancy and weight-related health outcomes (diet, weight gain, body composition, glucose tolerance). Results will enable the development of sleep guidelines for pregnancy and an intervention to optimise health. This will inform pregnant women, health professionals and future obesity prevention policies on the effects of poor sleep on diet, metabolism and adiposity during pregnancy and beyond.