Understanding the causes of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder
Official title: Physiological and Behavioral Basis of Circadian Rhythm Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10937779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a sleep condition called Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) to better understand how different types of it respond to light and sleep, so we can find more accurate ways to diagnose and treat people who have trouble sleeping at night and waking up in the morning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $655,655 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174661-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937779 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD), a condition where individuals struggle to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning, impacting their daily lives. The study aims to differentiate between two subtypes of DSWPD based on their physiological responses to light and sleep patterns. By using advanced techniques like pupillometry, researchers will explore how these differences affect diagnosis and treatment options. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and develop personalized treatment strategies for those affected by this disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for individuals suffering from DSWPD, improving their sleep quality and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding circadian rhythm disorders, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zee, Phyllis C. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zee, Phyllis C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Circadian control of brain blood vessels in Alzheimer’s disease
A researcher at Emory is studying how daily biological rhythms influence the brain’s blood vessels to improve brain drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease.
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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.
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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.
-
Sleep and circadian factors linked to opioid treatment outcomes
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.