CART Research Study

Social Jet Lag in Teens Research Study

“Social jet lag” occurs when people have different sleep patterns on the weekends than they do during the week. While social jet lag can affect anyone, the problem is particularly common in teenagers. Teenagers are biological “night owls” who tend to go to sleep and get up late when schedules permit, such as on weekends. The problem arises when they are expected to go to sleep and get up early for school on weekdays. In some cases, sleep issues like social jet lag can lead to physical and mental health problems.

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how changes in sleep patterns affect teens’ brain activity, mood, and behavior. Researchers hope their findings will lead to a better understanding of teen sleep patterns and potential health problems.

We are recruiting participants who are:

• Ages 16-19
• Currently enrolled in 11th or 12th grade
• No major physical health conditions
• Willing and able to undergo fMRI scanning (not claustrophobic, no non-removal iron-containing metal in the body, not pregnant)
• Are willing to participate.

This study is open to recruitment.

Principal Investigator:
Brant Hasler, PhD, DBSM
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Clinical and Translational Science

Research Coordinator:
Kathryn Guo, 412-246-6422; socialjetlag@pitt.edu

If you are interested in learning more about the Social Jet Lag in Teens research study, please visit www.socialjetlag.pitt.edu or contact Ms. Guo.