Melatonin as a treatment for Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

Summary

The project will characterise the behavioural and physiological phenotype of DSPD and examine the efficacy of melatonin as a treatment for DSPD.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Ron Grunstein

Research Location

Camperdown - Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm disorder defined as a sleep schedule occurring substantially later than the conventional or desired time. Individuals which suffer from DSPD not only habitually rise later but also fall asleep later than they choose. 10-16% of individuals that suffer from DSPD are misclassified with insomnia and therefore, may be treated inappropriately. This study hopes to conduct a definitive study of melatonin for DSPD, with accurate diagnosis methods, optimal treatment timing and a pragmatic treatment approach. Through physiological phenotyping of DSPD we hope to provide an evidence-base to inform pharmacogenetic approaches to treating DSPD.

Keywords

Sleep, circadian rhythm, insomnia, melatonin

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 690

Other opportunities with Professor Ron Grunstein

• High Density EEG measurement in sleep disorders
• Novel diagnostic methods and treatment in insomnia disorder
• Developing Molecular biomarkers in sleep disorders