Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine

Founded in 2014

Cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with numerous international collaborators

Research informs our Oxford Online Programme in Sleep Medicine

The Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine group is jointly led by Professor Colin Espie and Professor Simon Kyle. Our research aims to 1) elucidate the mechanisms underpinning chronic sleep disruption; 2) understand the role of sleep disruption in driving adverse health outcomes; and 3) develop interventions to treat sleep and circadian rhythm disruption. We conduct human experimental and clinical studies on sleep and disorders of sleep. Our research programme is supported by the National Institute of Health Research through the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Health Technology Assessment Programme, and Efficacy and Mechanisms Evaluation Programme, and the Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation, amongst others.

Overview

We are interested in investigating the predispositional, precipitating and perpetuating factors contributing to sleep disorders, as well as understanding the efficacy and mechanisms of action of cognitive behavioural interventions. We see sleep as a transdiagnostic process, across the lifespan, and so regard sleep health and sleep improvement as a central mediator of physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing.

Experimental & Clinical Sleep Medicine is a cross-cutting theme which focuses particularly on two of the strategic aims of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi).

To apply the knowledge gained from our empirical research to deliver evidence-based and condition specific therapeutics to address sleep and circadian rhythm disruption.
To transfer this knowledge to the broader academic, clinical, public and patient communities using multiple channels of engagement.