Broadly, this study (SCN-BP) seeks to examine sleep and circadian factors that contribute to blood pressure levels at night.
SCN-BP is imbedded in a parent grant titled "Improving the Detection of Hypertension (IDH-MEGA)" and examines a variety of sleep (e.g., sleep duration, timing, and the presence of sleep disorder) and circadian factors in Aims 1 and 2. In Aim 3, the investigators will conduct a 30-hour constant routine protocol to directly examine endogenous circadian and blood pressure rhythms. Aims 1 and 2 are purely observation. The study design design described below pertains the intervention piece of this study (Aim 3).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,427
A constant routine protocol is used to directly examine markers of circadian rhythmicity (e.g., melatonin and core body temperature). A constant routine protocol requires an individual to remain in a dimly lit room, in a constant semi-recumbent posture, and remain awake for more than 24 hours. It is one of two gold-standard research protocols for examining circadian rhythms in humans.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Change in Melatonin
Melatonin levels obtained from saliva samples
Time frame: Hourly samples obtained over 30 hours
Change in Core body temperature
Core body temperature
Time frame: Continuous measurements over 30 hours
Change in Blood pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure obtained using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor
Time frame: Measurements obtained every 30 minutes over 30 hours
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.