Research Center: E.P. Bradley Hospital Sleep Research Laboratory-Brown Alpert Medical School
Location: 300 Duncan Dr., Providence, RI 02906, United States
Lead Researchers: Dr. Mary Carskadon; Dr. John McGeary
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by Lifespan Institutional Review Board

Background

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2019, 6.3% of people in the United States aged 18 years old and up stated that they engaged in heavy alcohol use. 

Researchers hope to learn how alcohol use over a number of nights in a row impacts sleep, as well as performance and alertness the next day. To achieve this, the study involves adults staying at the research center’s sleep laboratory where researchers will provide alcohol and then observe sleep overnight and measure functioning in the daytime. Through this study, researchers may gain a better understanding of how alcohol impacts sleep and brain function. 

This study is looking for adults aged 21 years old or older who have a self-reported pattern of moderate to heavy alcohol use. Participants must be willing to comply with all the necessary study requirements. Compensation is available for eligible participants.

Why Participate? 

• You may contribute valuable information that may benefit others in the future. 
• You will be compensated for participating in this study.
• You may learn more about sleep and scientific research in general.
• You may learn about fixed sleep schedules that provide improved sleep hygiene.
• You may be helping to advance research on the interactions of alcohol, sleep and cognitive function. 

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Who Can Participate?

• Adults aged 21 years old or older who have a pattern of moderate to heavy alcohol use. 
• Participants must wear an activity monitor and be able to contact (via phone call) the research center every day.
• Participants must not have a sleep disorder.
• Able to attend multiple study visits at the research site over approximately 18 days. The following study details can be discussed further with the study team:
  • A screening session (about 90 minutes), that includes blood testing.
  • If eligible for full study:
    • An orientation session at the sleep lab
    • Adherence to a set sleep schedule throughout the study.
    • Participation involves coming to the laboratory on 2 separate occasions for 3 consecutive nights to sleep overnight in the laboratory. This will be followed by 3 days of study assessments at home or work.
    • Participants must also abstain from drinking alcohol while in the study (except for the 3 nights during the in-lab sessions when participants will be given the study alcohol beverage).

Please note:

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, the study team would like to point out the following:

• The research site’s study recruitment and lab areas are spacious enough that participants will not be within close proximity to each other.
• Study participants are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure prior to entering the lab.
• Participants are required to wear face masks when in shared areas and when in contact with study personnel.
• Hand sanitizers are available at the research site.
• The research staff adheres to strict hygienic practices as well as other safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Any staff suspected to have COVID-19, or has come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, will automatically undergo a voluntary quarantine per hospital guidelines.
• Interested participants will not be left waiting for a long period of time and will be quickly attended to.
• Parking is available at the research site.
• The study team encourages the use of personal vehicles, taxi or rideshare services rather than public transit. 
• The research site/institution is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the study participants.