Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder: Understanding Why Some People Sleep Late
Official title: Physiological and Behavioral Basis of Circadian Rhythm Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11396461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Northwestern University is exploring why some people with delayed sleep patterns have different light sensitivity and how this affects their sleep timing, with the goal of personalizing treatment for those with DSWPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,759 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174661-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (and potentially late adolescents) with Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder who can participate in clinic-based assessments and sleep studies at Northwestern University.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without DSWPD or those unable to complete sleep assessments or participate in light-sensitivity testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) makes it hard to go to sleep at night and wake up for work or school, affecting mood, performance, and quality of life. This project will investigate the physiological and behavioral factors behind DSWPD, including how light sensitivity varies among subtypes and how it relates to sleep timing. By identifying distinct phenotypes and their underlying mechanisms, the study aims to inform more precise diagnostic criteria and targeted treatments that fit individual patients’ needs. Participants may contribute through sleep assessments, light-response tests, and related behavioral measures at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches for people with DSWPD, improving sleep quality and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified subtypes of DSWPD and shown that light sensitivity varies, supporting the potential usefulness of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zee, Phyllis C. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Zee, Phyllis C.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.