Welcome

You have reached the web site for a research study conducted at the University of California, San Diego, investigating the possible genetic factors involved in delayed sleep phase.

What is Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, or DSPS?

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, or DSPS, is a disorder characterized by going to bed very late and waking up very late, or by a mismatch between your desired bedtime and the time you are able to go to sleep. People who have DSPS often find they cannot go to sleep, even if they want to, before 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, and cannot awaken before 9:00 or 10:00 AM. They are sometimes called "night owls." This can be a lifelong disorder which begins in late childhood or adolescence, and which may have created problems with school, home and work life. We believe there is a genetic component to DSPS which may dictate how the body's clock responds to desired sleep and wake times.

For more information, you can read this article, originally published in the Fredericksburg, VA Free Lance-Star

Also, you can view a video about the Night Owl study from Fox News.

Who can Qualify:

• Men and women over age 25, with a lifelong problem with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
  
• The Night Owl sleep pattern is not caused by shift work -- it did not begin after working an evening or night shift
  
• No acute medical or emotional illnesses

Benefits to Participants:

• Copies of sleep/wake and light exposure recording on request.
  
• Advice from a world renowned sleep lab on ways to help shift your body clock to a more 'normal' schedule.
  
• Financial compensation of up to $100 upon completion of the study.

During your Participation:

You will read and sign informed consent and fill out several questionnaires. If you are in the San Diego area, you can bring the consent and questionnaires to our lab. If you are outside the San Diego area, the consent and questionnaires will be mailed with instructions for mailing them back in a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope. You will provide a small saliva sample for DNA. This can be done in person in the San Diego area, or remotely if you are outside the San Diego area. You will wear a small wrist device called an Actiwatch, and fill out sleep logs for approximately 2 weeks. Again, this can be done by appointment in the San Diego area or by Fed Ex if you are outside the San Diego area.

When all study materials have been returned, you will be paid for your participation. In addition, if you want, you may make a complimentary appointment with Dr. Daniel Kripke to discuss the degree and severity of your body clock's delay and what might help you correct it. If you are outside the San Diego area, this appointment may be made at a time you are able to travel to San Diego or the appointment may be conducted via telephone or email.

There is no drug or device intervention or hospitalization or other restriction on participants.