Research

Sleep disorders are increasingly prevalent in today’s society, and have a large economic and social impact. Our research primarily focuses on the two most common sleep disorders - insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea. We conduct 1) laboratory-based studies to explore the mechanisms underlying cognitive and mood dysfunction in these patients, and 2) clinical trials to examine the impact of novel treatments on cognition and mood outcomes.

Areas of research/projects:

Project WAVE (Wave Amplification Validation Experiment)

This project explores the feasibility and efficacy of acoustic stimulation during sleep, and its potential to enhance slow wave activity in both healthy individuals and people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). For more information, click here.

OSA and neurodegeneration

Obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension are highly prevalent and commonly co-occur. Both conditions, if left untreated, can significantly impact brain health and impair cognition. Our team have shown that OSA is associated with cognitive impairment, brain shrinkage and higher levels of the neurotoxic protein, beta-amyloid, compared to healthy individuals. In this project, we are examining cognition and blood-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration (beta-amyloid and tau) to determine if there are poor brain and cognitive outcomes in those OSA patients with a vascular risk factor. Early identification and treatment of OSA may be a target to slow neural and cognitive impairment, before it progresses to dementia.

Sound Asleep Trial

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder, with an economic cost in excess of AU$18.9 billion annually. It is caused by repetitive collapse of the airway during sleep, resulting in dramatic drops in blood oxygen levels and sleep disruption. One aspect of sleep that is critical for effective cognition is the presence of slow wave sleep; a deep, stable phase of Non-REM sleep. We have shown that individuals with OSA have less slow wave sleep, poorer cognition and brain atrophy compared to healthy individuals. Notably, OSA is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Thus, it is critical to treat OSA, particularly from mid-life, to prevent further cognitive decline. Current OSA treatments are poorly tolerated and only partially effective; thus, novel treatments are urgently needed.

Acoustic stimulation therapy has been used in healthy adults across the lifespan to improve slow wave sleep, with positive benefits for cognition. In this first-of-its-kind NHMRC-funded project, we will explore the use of acoustic stimulation therapy in individuals with OSA. OSA patients will undergo two weeks using an acoustic stimulation device - one week each in active and sham mode, in a randomised order. Polysomnography, daytime sleepiness and cognition will be assessed to determine if acoustic stimulation therapy can bolster slow wave sleep, improve cognition and sleepiness, and alter OSA pathophysiology. We will also assess the feasibility of acoustic stimulation therapy for use in individuals with OSA. This study will take the first steps in determining whether acoustic stimulation therapy enhances slow wave activity, and improves daytime functioning and OSA severity; thus offering a unique, cost-effective, and non-invasive alternative treatment for the millions of individuals with OSA who remain untreated.

Complementary therapies for Insomnia

We have projects examining novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of insomnia, including new herbal formulation and a digital mindfulness-based therapy for Insomnia. We are interested in exploring the effectiveness of these therapies for improving both sleep and mental health outcomes.

Sleep interventions for older adults and carers

Over 200,000 Australians provide informal assistance and caregiving to people with dementia, and two thirds of these individuals experience significant sleep disturbance. Poor sleep in dementia carers is associated with increased depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life. We are currently conducting a pilot study to test the feasibility of a concurrent sleep intervention for people with dementia and their carer using a multimodal approach that combines brief training of caregivers in behavioural strategies to improve sleep in the person with dementia, in addition to cognitive and mindfulness-based strategies to improve sleep and mood in the caregiver.