Generally my research interests are in the areas of circadian rhythms,
sleep, and insomnia and I am director of the sleep
research laboratory. We have explored circadian rhythm abnormalities
that contribute to insomnia, jet lag and nightshift and their treatment
with bright light therapy
most recently with the use of light
emitting diodes. Our basic research into the afternoon
sleepy period has shown it to be endogenous to the circadian system
but that it can be ameliorated with the use of a brief (10 minute) afternoon
nap. We are interested in the cognitive elements of insomnia, in
particularly the misperception
of sleep/wake state by insomniacs and how perceptual retraining
may treat insomnia. Finally, we are exploring the degree of overlap
between the sleep disorders of insomnia and sleep apnea and the implications
for treating this co-morbidity.
Lack,
L., Wright, H. R., & Bootzin, R. R. (2009). Delayed sleep-phase
disorder. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 4: 229-239. - Topic
Issue, Circadian Rhythmns and Sleep.
Brooks,
A., & Lack, L. (2006). A brief afternoon nap following noctural
sleep restriction: Which nap duration is more recuperative? Sleep,
29, 831-840.
Lack,
L., Wright, H., Gibbon, S., Kemp, K. (2005). The treatment of early-morning
awakening insomnia with two evenings of bright light. Sleep,
28, 616-623.
Wright,
H. R., Lack, L. C., & Kennaway, D. J. (2004). Differential effects
of light wavelength in phase advancing the melatonin rhythm. J.
Pineal Res., 36,140-144.
Mercer,
J. D., Bootzin, R. R., & Lack, L. C. (2002). Insomniacs' perception
of wake instead of sleep. Sleep, 25 (5): 564-571.
