KMPT Research Director heads up national team awarded £1.7 million for innovative sleep study
Date added: 05 December 2023
KMPT is supporting an innovative research project on sleep and the early detection of psychosis, which has been awarded £1.7 million by health research charity, Wellcome Trust.
The new study, ‘Sleep and Circadian Health Disturbances in Psychosis and Depression’ is being led by Director of Research at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), Professor Sukhwinder Shergill, who is also KMPT’s Director of Research and Innovation. It has been selected from worldwide bids to be part of the coveted research programme scheme.
By better understanding the complex relationship between sleep and mental health, the investigation aims to provide new approaches to predict, treat, and intervene, and ultimately improve the quality of life for people with anxiety, depression and psychosis.
Professor Shergill has brought together a world leading multi-disciplinary team to advance the scientific understanding of how the brain, body and environment can impact sleep disturbances. The research will also focus on the physical, mental, and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, known as circadian rhythms.
Professor Shergill said: “We are thrilled to be working with fellow industry experts and colleagues from our parent and partner universities to support the rapid growth of applied clinical research within Kent and Medway.”
KMPT is further strengthening the study by engaging with and enrolling participants for the ground-breaking research, which is due to start in summer next year.
