Understanding the causes of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder
Official title: Pathophysiology of Circadian Rhythm Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10906266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) to better understand how it affects your sleep and daily life, and it aims to find new ways to help people like you feel more awake and alert during the day.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $662,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, particularly those experiencing difficulties with sleep timing and excessive daytime sleepiness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or those whose sleep issues are caused by other medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD), a condition that affects sleep patterns and can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. The study aims to improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms behind DSWPD, which may help develop new treatment strategies. Patients will undergo assessments of their circadian rhythms and participate in protocols involving light exposure to evaluate their cognitive and physiological responses. The goal is to identify effective interventions that can enhance the health and daily functioning of individuals with this disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve sleep quality and daytime functioning for patients with DSWPD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding circadian rhythm disorders, but this study aims to explore novel biomarkers and treatment strategies, making it a potentially groundbreaking approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Kenneth P — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Wright, Kenneth P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding the biology behind Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and new treatment ideas
This NIH grant aims to understand why some people, including teens and adults, have DSWPD and how to develop better circadian-based treatments to improve sleep and daily functioning.
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A study in teens aims to understand how sleep patterns and daily rhythms influence risk-taking and substance use by looking at brain circuits involved in reward and control.
-
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder: Understanding Why Some People Sleep Late
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.
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A long-term study at Johns Hopkins will follow people on buprenorphine or methadone to see how sleep quality and daily rhythms relate to ongoing opioid use.
-
Exercise timing to reset the brain’s body clock in breast cancer care
A study tests whether exercising at specific times can reset the brain’s circadian clock and potentially improve well-being for people coping with breast cancer.
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.