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Prof Ron Grunstein
Head
Sleep Neurobiology-Research Group
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Understanding the interaction of sleep disorders, sleep loss and circadian rhythms on human behaviour in particular alertness and thinking.
• An assessment tool used to test the effects of sleep loss on performance has been developed and validated.
• Following the publication of a sleep deprivation study comparing the effects on performance on healthy individuals and those with obstructive sleep apnea, other studies examining the effect of experimentally-induced sleep loss have been planned and initiated, including a study looking at the effects of sleep disruption from noise or restricting time spent in bed on our metabolism.
Chronic sleep restriction is common in today’s global society, with many people reporting less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. It is well known that mood, cognitive performance, and motor function are impaired following and during periods of sleep loss and sleep pattern disruption. We have commenced a trial to validate a new tool we have developed to assess sleepiness and performance, for the diagnosis of sleep disorders. The computer-based assessment involves tests of problem solving, reaction time, attention and memory.
Another study observing altered brain energy levels in sleep apnea has been accepted for publication. Our new purpose-built time isolation and chronobiology centre for sleep research will allow the development of new projects.
Prof Ron Grunstein MB BS MD PhD FRACP
Head
Dr Delwyn Bartlett PhD MAPS
Psychologist and Senior Researcher
Dr Keith Wong MB BS PhD FRACP
Sleep Physician and Research Fellow
Dr Nathaniel Marshall BSc BCom PGDipHealSc PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ms Angela Denotti BSc (Hons) RPSGT
Mr Shaun Williams
PhD Candidate
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