The effect of temperature biofeedback on sleep and cardiac autonomic tone in young and aged adults [ 2003-01-01 - 2006-01-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Cameron van den Heuvel (Chief Investigator) ,  Kurt Lushington (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Kurt Lushington (Chief Investigator)

Brief description The effect of temperature biofeedback on sleep and cardiac autonomic tone in young and aged adults. Peripheral heat loss is reported to promote sleep onset. To date, however, most studies examining the thermoregulatory model of sleep onset have used sedative-hypnotics with both thermoregulatory and soporific effects. We propose that a better test of a causal relationship between peripheral heat loss and sleep can be achieved by using temperature biofeedback; a promising non-invasive and non-drug treatment that does not have a direct effect on sleep structures. We aim to test whether increased peripheral heat loss promotes sleep onset, whether the effects are mediated by changes in autonomic tone, and whether this relationship changes with age.

Funding Amount $65,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal