Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program

The research done by the Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program focuses primarily on understanding the following sleep-related disorders.

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, chronic sleep-related movement disorder that affects 3-5% of the general population. It is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often in response to uncomfortable sensations in the legs. People who have RLS describe the sensations as creeping, crawling, tingling, aching or burning. The symptoms are provoked by inactivity and relieved with movement. RLS symptoms are most severe in the evening or at night, so RLS can cause significant sleep disturbance. RLS has been associated with low iron levels, endstage renal disease with dialysis and peripheral neuropathy.

Treatment options: RLS can be treated with different kinds of medication, including dopamine medications, alpha-2 delta medications and opioids. Oral iron supplements or intravenous infusions may also help improve RLS symptoms.

Insomnia

Roughly one-third of adults have difficulty falling or staying asleep or find themselves waking up too early on a regular basis. A diagnosis of insomnia disorder is appropriate for people with prolonged sleeplessness that causes substantial distress, problems with daytime functioning, or both. Chronic insomnia can cause reductions in perceived health and quality of life, increases in workplace injuries or absenteeism and even fatal injuries. Additionally, prolonged insomnia is associated with an increased risk for depression and may be a risk factor for other health problems like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, especially when combined with regular sleep of less than six hours per night.

Treatment options: The first-line therapy for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which includes setting realistic sleep goals, limiting time spent in bed, addressing skewed beliefs about sleeplessness and practicing relaxation techniques. For those who have short-term insomnia due to a known cause, doctors can prescribe sleep medications. For people with severe insomnia that is unresponsive to behavioral treatments, medications can be considered.

Sleep-related eating disorder

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a sleep disorder characterized by partial or full waking from sleep coupled with compulsive eating. People with SRED cannot control their nighttime eating and may be only partially conscious while doing so. The most common concern about SRED is weight gain, though disturbed sleep and daytime fatigue may also be issues. This disorder is more common in women, and symptoms typically appear in early adulthood. SRED is closely related with Night Eating Syndrome (NES).

Treatment options: Current treatments for SRED have been directed towards treating any underlying sleep disorder, eating disorder or psychiatric disorder that is present. Medications can sometimes be used—selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), dopaminergic agonists, benzodiazepines, anorectics, hypnotics and opioids have been used, but success in treatment has varied.