College Students Needed for Sleep Research Study!

The purpose of this study is to further investigate the link between cardiometabolic risk and sleep duration in an undergraduate student population.  This study is aimed at finding the effects on blood pressure, activity and appetite when a participant increases his/her sleep by an additional hour for several nights.  We hypothesize that when participants are sleeping for a longer duration, they will have a lower BP, an increased activity level as well as a decreased desire for unhealthy “fatty” foods.  This is a 14-day study.  Out of these 14 days, we will only need you to come into the lab three times.  The first time is your start-up visit; it is here where you will learn all about the study and if interested we will ask for your consent to participate in the study. 

If you are eligible to participate in this study, your height and weight will be taken at this start-up visit.  Following these procedures, you will be given an Actiwatch and taught the basic cleaning and care needs of the watch.  Following this start-up visit, you will be asked to remain on your regular sleep schedule for 7 days prior to your first assessment.  During these days, you will be wearing the Actiwatch.  The data from this watch will measure your sleep duration, sleep time, and overall sleep quality.

At the 1^st and 2^nd assessment you will be asked to complete a survey assessing your regular sleep pattern, activity level and dietary information for the past 5-7 days.  We will be taking your heart rate and blood pressure using an ambulatory wrist device.   After your 1^st assessment, you will be asked to lengthen your sleep duration by 1 hour for 7 days before returning for your second assessment.  You will continue to wear your Actiwatch and all of the same procedures will be done at the 2^nd assessment.  Your watch will be collected at the end of the 2^nd assessment and your compensation for being a participant will be provided to you on this day as well.   If for whatever reason you are unable to continue participating in the study or found ineligible, you will be compensated for the time completed.