Shift Workers, Join Our Research Study!
Researchers at Washington State University are partnering with shift workers who have a stable work schedule to learn more about sleep loss and health. Join our compensated study today!
WSU approved IRB #19406
Conducted in Spokane, WA
Compensation Provided
3+ years of stable shift work
20-55 Years Old
Fast Facts
work outside the home
| Study Background For industries that rely on people working at all hours, like health care, industrial plants, aviation, and the military, sleep loss often comes with the job. This can lead to poor health outcomes for shift workers. Our study aims to learn how sleep loss and shift work affects people's health at a cellular level. During this inpatient study, participants will spend 36 hours in a laboratory (monitored by trained staff). For 27 hours of that time, participants will be kept awake and will complete computer tasks to test performance, with breaks in between. We will also collect blood samples to analyze your DNA, the proteins produced by your genes, and the hormone melatonin, which measures your biological clock. Information gained from this research study may lead to a deeper understanding of the health risks associated with shift work and around-the-clock operations. Further research today and join our compensated study! |
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to assess the effects of shift work on the cellular and biochemical processes involved in poor health outcomes, including cancer risk.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
Key Criteria:
- 20-55 years old
- Work outside the home
- 3+ years of day or night shift work on a stable work schedule
- Physically and psychologically healthy per industry fit for duty standards
- No history of blood clots or clotting disorders
- No history of cancer
- Not pregnant
- No drug use (not including marijuana/THC)
If eligible, this study involves:
- In-person screening session (up to 4 hours): questionnaires, physical exam, blood & urine samples, breathalyzer test, and consent procedures
- Pre-experimental phase (1 week before study starts): maintain your regular sleep schedule at home, record your sleep & wake times, wear a wrist activity monitor, and keep a menstrual diary (if applicable)
- Laboratory phase (36 hours): you and up to 3 other participants will stay in the sleep laboratory of the Sleep and Performance Research Center. You will not be able to access the internet, live TV, or have visitors, but you can read, watch movies, or talk to the other participants. During the first part of this phase, you will stay awake for 24 hours while sitting in a chair with an IV line to collect blood samples. You will receive hourly snacks and complete performance testing (i.e. computer tasks to test your cognitive skills). After the 24 hours is over, you will sleep for 8 hours before going home.
- Follow-up session: 2-3 weeks after completing the study, you will receive payment for your participation and a follow-up questionnaire to complete.
Compensation of up to $630 is provided for your time.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.