Understanding how sleep reactivity affects shift work disorder
Official title: Sleep reactivity as a novel mechanism in Shift Work Disorder
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-10910918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why nightshift workers often feel really tired and have trouble sleeping, with the goal of finding better ways to help them feel better and stay healthy, rather than just giving them medication to manage the symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $672,607 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160870-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who regularly work night shifts and experience symptoms of shift work disorder, such as excessive sleepiness or insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not work night shifts or do not experience symptoms related to shift work disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind shift work disorder (SWD), which affects many nightshift workers who struggle with excessive sleepiness and insomnia. The study aims to identify the underlying biological factors contributing to SWD, moving beyond just managing symptoms with medications. By examining large clinical samples, the research seeks to develop targeted treatments that address the root causes of SWD, potentially improving the health and safety of those affected. The findings could lead to better management strategies for individuals who work non-traditional hours.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for shift work disorder, improving sleep quality and overall health for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on shift work disorder, this study aims to explore novel mechanisms, making it a potentially groundbreaking approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Philip — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Philip
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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.