Current projects

Influence of the glycemic index of carbohydrate meals on sleep

We are continuing to work on the influence of the glycemic index of carbohydrate meals on sleep. Christopher Herrera is driving this project. He has refined the meals and is testing the newly modified, moderately high GI meal in individuals with insomnia.

Physical activity is beneficial for sleep

Shi Wong will investigate the benefits of the Nintendo WiiFit gaming on sleep. She will compare the sleep pattern, physical fitness, mood state and health status of WiiFit gamers with those of video-gamers, an exercise group and a sedentary group.

Psychological stress and metabolic syndrome

Tawfiq Ahmadi is testing the hypothesis that psychological stress is positively correlated with values of the cluster factors for metabolic syndrome. He aims to elucidate the possible mechanism whereby stress leads to increases in the four risk factors of metabolic syndrome (obesity, impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). He will also determine whether or not physical activity and sleep quality are modifiers of stress impact on health.

Body builders and sleep

Daniel Hackett will profile a special group of athletes: body builders. He will examine the breathing pattern of this group during wakefulness and sleep.