OHSU Sleep, Chronobiology, & Health Laboratory
Welcome to the Lab!
Here in the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Lab at OHSU, we conduct research that explores how our internal biological clock (known as the circadian timing system) and chronic sleeping patterns inform the relationships amongst metabolism, cognition, and our overall health. Our goal is to use what we uncover in tightly-controlled laboratory settings and apply these findings to realistic, behavior-based interventions to help individuals optimize their health and wellbeing.
Our work in the news!
Frequently Referenced Terms
Circadian Rhythm: internal biological clock that is ~24 hours long in humans. They often sync up to other external cyclical cues such as light, temperature, eating patterns, and more.
Melatonin: a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that has several purposes, the primary being an indicator for the body to prepare for sleep.
Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO): the start of the melatonin production in the evening during dim light conditions which is used to measure an individual's circadian cycle. It usually releases about two hours before regular bedtime, and is measured through saliva and/or blood samples.
Shift Work: For the purposes of sleep and circadian research, shift work is classified as any work that falls outside of "typical" business hours (7am-6pm).
Metabolism: the process by which the body changes food and drink into energy. During this process, consumed calories mix with oxygen to make the energy the body needs. It is a process that slows down in and before sleep. Our research indicates that energy creation out of each calorie can change based on an individual's circadian timing.