ISU looking for families to participate in sleep study

Sleep is a part of life for everyone, but research by Idaho State University professor Dr. Maria Wong shows sleep problems at a young age can lead to problems in the future.

“We’ve been focusing on sleep difficulties,” said Wong. “Like having problems sleeping, staying asleep and falling asleep and how might that have a negative impact on behavior.”

Wong said those behaviors include substance abuse, like binge drinking or driving under the influence. She said now they’re looking to expand in a new study.

“We plan to interview about 200 children over a period of three years,” she said.

Participating in the study means you will be interviewed, answer questionnaires and have your sleep assessed.

“We will also measure sleep using what we call an actograph watch, an activity watch,” Wong said. “It will allow us to understand the quality of sleep, how well children sleep and how much movement they have when they sleep, which is an indicator of how well they sleep.”

Wong said right now they’re looking for participants in the Pocatello area, simply because that’s where the studies and tests will be taking place. But she said they hope to branch out and get more results into how sleep as children affects us as adults.

The study is for at least one parent and children between the ages of 8 and 12. If eligible to participate, you can receive up to $240, starting with $25 for the initial screening.

For a screening, call 208-228-5577 or email isusleepstudy@gmail.com.