Faculty of Community and Health Sciences

Research

MYSLEEP

What is the MYSLEEP Study?

During adolescence and early adulthood, changes in sleep and the body's internal clock may play a role in the development of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and 3 in 4 mental health conditions develop by age 24.

The MYSLEEP Study is funded by the Wellcome Trust to explore how sleep and body clock impact mental health, mood, and performance. By identifying the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors behind these changes, the study can help guide better approaches for preventing and treating depression and anxiety in young people.

Who can take part?

If you're aged between 16 and 20 and currently living in Cape Town, you can participate in the MYSLEEP Study. If you're under 18, we will also need consent from your parent or guardian. You must be able to read and write in English, have regular access to a smartphone with an internet connection, and not have a history of severe mental illness or sleep disorders (except delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or insomnia).

What will participation involve?

The study lasts for ~2 years. Here's what to expect:

1. Pre-study interview (1 time, ~30 minutes): Before officially joining, we'll chat with you (and a parent/guardian if you're under 18) to discuss the study details and confirm eligibility. This will be done over the phone.
2. Surveys (up to 5 times, ~45 minutes each time): Every 6 months, you'll complete online surveys about your sleep, mood, lifestyle and more.
3. At-home monitoring (up to 3 times): Once a year, for about 2 weeks, you'll wear a wristwatch-like device that tracks your sleep and a light sensor around your neck. You'll also complete a short daily diary (2-3 minutes) through an app on your phone.
4. Body clock assessment (up to 3 times): Towards the end of each monitoring period, you'll attend an ~8-hour session at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). You'll provide hourly saliva samples to measure melatonin levels while relaxing in a dimly lit room, watching movies, and enjoying snacks, drinks, and dinner.
5. Mood and sleep interview (up to 2 times, ~60-90 minutes each time): At the beginning and end of the study, you'll participate in Zoom interviews with researchers to discuss your mood and sleep.

In return, you will receive a food voucher, certificate of participation, and personalised feedback and recommendations on your sleep.

If you have any questions, please contact us at mysleepstudy@uwc.ac.za

This research project has been approved by UWC's Research Ethics Committee: BM25/8/1