Lab Research Goals

We are primarily interested in the interaction of sleep and circadian clock systems in mammals.  We also wish to know how aging and pathology relate to sleep and circadian systems in humans. Our laboratory performs basic research as well as clinical research on humans.

Our basic science studies involve:

• characterizing people who have abnormal sleep and circadian patterns
• assessing various methods of physical and mental activity for improving quality of sleep
• examining the neurochemical events which underlie alterations in the circadian clock

A variety of behavioral and pharmacological approaches are used to restore the responsiveness of, and realign, the system of sleep and circadian rhythms.  In the clinical and laboratory settings, we are quantifying the response of the circadian clock to synchronizing agents in specific populations.  Ultimately, we are trying to determine whether several factors including exposure to scheduled bright light, certain medication regimens, and/or structured activity cycles will correct some of the age- and pathology-related changes in the human circadian system and result in the improvement of performance, mood, daytime alertness, and sleep.

We also perform genetics research that currently has identified several families with circadian rhythm disorders and a neurologic condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome. We are in the process of characterizing the phenotypes of these patients and collecting DNA samples for genetic analysis.

We hope that the approach combining basic science and clinical studies will lead to important information that can be used to improve nocturnal sleep, daytime performance, and overall quality of life.

For a list of current and completed research projects from our lab, visit our Research Page.