RESEARCH

ABOUT US

Our lab is interested in exploring the impact of sleep, inflammation, and loneliness on the mental, physical, and cognitive health of older adults with serious mental illness. We have a particular focus on individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar mood disorder.

Issues with sleep have long been known to induce detrimental effects onto the health and quality of life of individuals. In particular, sleep deficits are known to be related to a decline in cognition, mood, and cardiovascular health. High proportions of individuals with psychotic disorders are consistently found to have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders. Often underdiagnosed due to a myriad of reasons, disorders like sleep apnea often go untreated in these incredibly vulnerable populations.

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In conducting our research, we utilize modern wearable technology (FitBits) and at-home sleep tests to collect passive metrics regarding sleep and daily activity levels. Our study staff administers assessments comprised of an interview and neuropsychological testing battery.

We are interested in understanding the mechanisms by which sleep disorders both manifest and affect older populations with serious mental illness. In doing so, our work hopes to provide insight into areas that may be most useful to target in order to improve health outcomes and quality of life of people with serious mental illness.

Our work is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, and the University of California San Diego Clinical and Translational Research Institute.

ONGOING PROJECTS

Principal Research

Sunlit Bedroom with an Unmade Bed

Impact of Sleep Disturbances on Health in Schizophrenia | SNOOZE

The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sleep problems and the health of people with schizophrenia.

We are actively recruiting participants! Participants for our study must: 1) either have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar disorder, or a lifetime absence of major mental illness, 2) not be under a conservatorship, and 3) be between the ages of 40-70 years old. If you are interested, please contact us!

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Alarm Clock on a Nightstand

Serious Mental Illness Intervention and Sleep Tracking App | SIESTA

The goal of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia modified for people with serious mental illness.

This study is currently in the mobile application development phase and is actively recruiting participants.

Bedroom Nightstand with a Lit Lamp

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in People Aging with Serious Mental Illness | OASIS

The goal of this study is to assess the acceptance and effectiveness of positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, as well as its impact on cognition, health outcomes, and biological processes.

We will be recruiting participant! Participants for our study must: 1) either have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or a lifetime absence of major mental illness, 2) be at risk for/have a diagnosis of sleep apnea determined either by clinical or research assessments, 3) not be under conservatorship, and 4) be between the ages of 40-70 years old.

Collaborations

Two Older Adults Sitting Together Outdoors Overlooking a Vineyard

Social Health in Aging: Relationships and Empathy | SHARE

The goal of this study is to examine how different types of social communication and personality characteristics relate to the well-being of older adults.

We are actively recruiting for this project.

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Comprehensive Overview of Medical and Personal Profiles to Assist Seniors Healthcare Service Providers | COMPASS

The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using medical and personal profiles (MPP) for patients and/or caregivers, as well as design and pilot a novel web application for generating MPPs.

We are actively recruiting for this project.

Fresh Fruit on a Wooden Cutting Board

Multi-component Intervention for Diabetes in Adults with Serious Mental Illness | MIDAS

The goal of this study is to assess if exposure to education regarding nutrition, diabetes, physical activity, and smoking reduction will improve the health of adults with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in either a board-and-care or independent living facility.

Close-up Black and White Portrait of an Older Man with His Hands Near His Face

Longitudinal Study to Assess Healthy Aging in a Community Setting

The goal of this study is to learn about healthy aging within a community living setting, potentially revealing interventions that may support improvements in health and well-being in older populations.

Older Man Sitting Alone on a Park Bench

Psychosis and Aging

The goal of this study is to further understand the accelerated aging of persons with schizophrenia.

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