New research findings from the Douglas Mental Health University Institute may provide clues to why some people have an easier time adapting to time change and shift work than others.

This study, co-authored by Francine James, PhD, Nicolas Cermakian, PhD, director of the Laboratory of Molecular Chronobiology, and Diane B. Boivin, MD, PhD, director of the Centre for Study and Treatment of Circadian Rhythms, is published in the November issue of the journal Sleep, and is the first to describe the effects of a shifted sleep/wake schedule on both “clock gene” expression and hormonal rhythms. This research has important implications for understanding medical disorders affecting night shift workers and others who have sleep-wake disturbances.

“Our study evaluated the molecular and physiological changes which occur following a 10-hour change in sleep/wake schedule,” says senior and corresponding author, Diane Boivin. “We showed that it is possible to train the body to a new routine, but that it takes several days for “clock gene” expression to adapt. This research has implications for individuals who change sleep/wake schedules frequently, such as night shift workers or those who travel across time zones.” “Night shift work has been associated with a number of negative health outcomes including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease, reproductive difficulties and increased risk for cancer,” adds Nicolas Cermakian. “Our next steps will be to fully understand how these genes are regulated in different organs of the human body.”

New presence on the Web

In an effort to help individuals with sleep difficulties, Boivin and her team have recently created the Douglas’ Centre for Study and Treatment of Circadian Rhythms Web section, thanks to a donation from the Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada. This site provides information about sleep, how to improve sleep hygiene and updates on ongoing research projects.

“Part of our mandate is to conduct cutting edge research on sleep/wake disorders that will help the public,” says Boivin. “If left undiagnosed these disorders may result in fatigue, and poor job or school performance. Our site discusses the biology of sleep and circadian rhythms, and tips on how to avoid these difficulties. Our ultimate goal is to improve the physical and mental health of individuals by providing them with scientifically grounded information.”

Investigators at the Centre for Study and Treatment of Circadian Rhythms conduct multidisciplinary research on human circadian physiology (rhythmic reoccurring events) and sleep. Research projects include:

• Development of tools for assessment of human circadian rhythms;
• Identification of circadian clock genes and resetting by environmental cues;
• The study of fatigue management approaches for people who work on shifts ;
• Evaluation of the circadian modulation of sleep and mood in mental illnessess.