The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Colonic Barrier Homeostasis in Ulcerative Colitis
Published: 04/06/2022
General Information:
To investigate if circadian malalignment (unusual sleeping patterns), such as night shifts (sleeping during the day and being awake during the night time), worsens the inflammation of the gut.
Eligibility:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-50 years old
- On stable daily medication without disease flares for at least 3 months.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Shift work in the last 6 months
- History of GI surgery, significant anxiety or depression
Study Details:
Study Description:
This study requires a 7 day stay with us at our sleep lab at Rush University Medical Center and you will be asked to sleep at different times each day and will undergo two flexible sigmoidoscopies during the week. When you are not in the sleep phase you are free to do what you would like within our lab. You will be compensated $2000 for completing the study.
Description of treatment or intervention (mechanism of action):
Each day there will be a different time that you will be sleeping and there will be some times where the lights are dimmed. You will also undergo blood draws and 2 flexible sigmoidoscopies.
Patient Participation Requirements:
During the study we will ask you to complete several questionnaires related to sleep activity, diet, inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Prior to the study we will ask that you wear a watch for 2 weeks that tracks your sleep.
Possible risks and side effects:
Risk of pain or bleeding from the blood draw. Minimal risk of discomfort or bleeding from flexible sigmoidoscopy. On extremely rare occasions (1 in 17,000), the sigmoidoscopy can cause a tear or hole in the lining of the colon or significant bleeding.