Nader Sharif
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Philip Cheng
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Henry Ford Health System / NonUM
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 6
Abstract
People working non traditional hours such as night shifts often find themselves affected by Shift Work Disorder (SWD). This is characterized by insomnia and/or excessive sleepiness. This is normally attributed to circadian rhythm misalignments. Sleep reactivity is a trait sensitivity to sleep-disrupting stimuli and/or stressors. The goal of this study is to establish sleep reactivity as a novel mechanism for SWD. It is hypothesized that those with high sleep reactivities will continue to exhibit symptoms of SWD after experimental reduction of circadian misalignment, which will then be mitigated by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 150 participants with SWD with 75 having high sleep reactivity and 75 low will be enrolled. The study uses a two-step method. The first step experimentally reduces circadian misalignment compared to a control. Circadian misalignment is reduced through a 3.5, 3-session bright light therapy. If melatonin levels reflect circadian misalignment reduction and SWD persists, then participants will receive CBT treatment and be compared to a sleep education control. Sleep and sleepiness will continue to be measured. The procedure is currently in the data collection phase. Conclusions cannot yet be drawn, however, it is being hoped that sleep reactivity can be found to be a novel mechanism of SWT. The findings here can be used to improve medical treatment
