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Clinical Sleep
Based within the Sleep Research Centre
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Also see: Sleep Research Centre
Our research
Introduction
With the aim of improving the scientific understanding and evidence-based management of insomnia and chronic sleep disturbance, research in the CSRU is conducted in 3 areas; epidemiology; community-based sleep research; and clinical trials. Within these broad topic areas human ageing and quality of life provide additional common themes.
The epidemiology of sleep and insomnia
Epidemiological studies are fundamental to the understanding and management of health and illness in the general population. The CSRU is currently engaged in 3 separate strands of epidemiological research involving data from the Nottingham Longitudinal Study of Activity and Ageing (NLSAA), the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC-CFAS), and collaboration with the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) programme Sleep in Ageing (SomnIA) project. Current epidemiological analyses address three themes:
- Sleep, insomnia and longevity;
- Relationships between lifestyle and sleep quality; and
- The origins and continuity of late-life insomnia.
Community-Based Sleep Research
Controlled observations of sleeping patterns in community-based settings provide 'real-life' insights into the nature of sleep disturbances which, in turn, can inform prevention and treatment strategies. The CSRU is currently engaged in three separate strands of community-based sleep research: dementia and dementia caregiving; longitudinal trends in primary insomnia; and the occupational impact of sleep quality.
Dementia caregiving Evidence from the UK 'Carers 2000' survey shows that disturbed sleep is prevalent among the 6.8 million British adults who provide regular care for someone with an illness or disability. The CSRU has been conducting research into the sleep quality of dementia caregivers which to date has identified opportunities for improved sleep quality among both patients and carers.
Longitudinal trends in primary insomnia This study, conducted by Beverley David, is one of the longest controlled comparisons of primary insomnia ever conducted. Two groups of volunteers, a group of 43 people with primary insomnia and a group of 43 'normal' sleepers, have been continuously monitored for 9 months, using sleep diaries, actigraphy, psychometric assessments and laboratory tests. Analyses are ongoing.
Occupational impact of sleep Impaired occupational performance is both a key feature of, and a diagnostic criterion for primary insomnia. Such impairment is usually assessed informally in the course of a clinical interview. However, in collaboration with the Work and Health Research Centre at Loughborough University the CSRU has been developing a new instrument - The Occupational Impact of Sleep Questionnaire - which quantifies the consequences of insomnia in the workplace. The instrument has completed its development phase and is now being assessed in field studies.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials of psychological approaches to insomnia management provide the evidence necessary to guide policy, purchasing and clinical practice in this important area. Having recently completed one of the largest ever controlled trials of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia, members of the CSRU, together with clinical partners, are now involved in a major randomised controlled trial of supported self-help for insomnia associated with chronic disease. This latter project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council under the New Dynamics of Ageing programme, is being conducted within the SomnIA initiative.
CSRU home |
Our research |
People in the unit |
For people with insomnia
Insomnia management training |
Sleep diary |
Selected publications |
News |
Contact us
Also see: Sleep Research Centre