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Current Projects
Project Title Tai Chi Effects on Chronic Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors: Immune Mechanisms
Researcher Michael Irwin, MD, University of California, Los Angeles
Study Summary The purpose of this study is to determine whether Tai Chi or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can change sleep patterns and reduce insomnia. The study will also investigate whether Tai Chi or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy changes levels of the immune cell products that are known to alter sleep. It will also assess individual genetic differences in immune cell products and their possible relationship to insomnia.
Who Can Participate? You can join the Chronic Insomnia Study if you match ALL of these MAIN categories:
• You were diagnosed with breast cancer that was stage 0, I, or II
• You are a woman between the ages of 30 and 85
• You have completed all necessary surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. (If you are on hormone therapy you will still be eligible)
• You have been experiencing insomnia—having difficulty with sleep at least 3 nights per week
• You live near the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California
The researcher may ask you additional questions to be sure that this study is a right fit for you.
What Does Participation Involve? If you choose to join the Chronic Insomnia Study you will be asked questions about your general medical health and psychological well-being. You will be asked to have a blood test that will look for signs of infections, other health problems, and factors that may be predictors of sleep. You will be asked to keep a sleep diary for two weeks, documenting your sleep habits. You will undergo two two-night sleep assessments, six weeks apart. The sleep assessments include having electrodes placed on your scalp to measure your sleep patterns. You will then be assigned to one of two 12-week treatment groups. One group will take part in a one hour Tai Chi session every week for 12 weeks. The other group will take part in a two hour Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group every week for 12 weeks.
The researchers will explain any and all study activities in detail.
Where? Los Angeles
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