How sex and age affect light's impact on sleep and body rhythms
Impact of sex and age on non-visual light input that affects sleep and circadian rhythms
This study is looking at how different ages and genders react to light that helps regulate our sleep and body clock, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how light affects their sleep and mood; you'll just need to take a quick test that measures how your pupils respond to light, and it only takes about an hour!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how different sexes and ages respond to non-visual light inputs that influence sleep and circadian rhythms. By examining the melanopsin pathway, which is responsible for processing light that affects our internal body clock, the study aims to understand variations in responses based on these factors. Participants will undergo a simple test using a pupillometer to measure their pupil's reaction to light, which takes less than an hour and provides immediate results. The findings could lead to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for sleep and mood disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of varying ages and sexes who experience sleep or mood disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have any sleep or mood disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatments for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders based on individual sex and age.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of light on circadian rhythms, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klerman, Elizabeth B. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Klerman, Elizabeth B.
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 below.