Sleep

Sleep is necessary for people to feel and function well, and is essential for recuperation. Temporary sleep disorders affect most people. Recurring sleep  disorders, such as difficulties falling asleep, maintaining a regular circadian rhythm, and multiple awakenings during night, are in fact common among children, adolescents, and adults – in isolation or as part of greater ill-health complications. This includes chronic pain and stress or fatigue-related ill-health. Likewise, disturbed sleep can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions, while strong emotions also can disrupt sleep. 

Our research in this area contributes to an increased understanding of the importance of sleep for health and functioning, the consequences of poor sleep, and how sleep disorders can be treated. The area is researched from multiple perspectives, and includes: 

1. Sleep in adolescents and its relationship with physical health, psychosocial health, and school performance.
2. The importance of sleep for the development of long-term physical and mental ill-health conditions.
3. Development and evaluation of preventive programmes to prevent sleep disorders among adolescents.
4. Development and evaluation of sleep disorder interventions, such as group-based treatments and internet-delivered treatments.
5. Sleep disorders and their treatment among people suffering from chronic pain and other ill-health conditions.
6. Implementation of sleep treatment in primary care.