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Self-Directed Home-Based Dim-Light Melatonin Onset Collection: The Circadia Pilot Study.
Gregory Bormes1, Jessica Love1, Oluwaseun Akeju2
1Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA USA.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|July 3, 2023
Summary
This study shows that at-home salivary Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) assessments are a feasible and accurate way to measure circadian phase. This remote protocol can reliably assess circadian timing in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Circadian rhythm disorders significantly impact health and well-being.
- Accurate measurement of endogenous circadian phase, such as Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO), is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Existing DLMO protocols often require in-lab visits, limiting accessibility.
Approach:
- Developed and tested a novel, at-home salivary DLMO assessment protocol.
- Utilized online sleep diaries and objective actigraphy for remote monitoring over 5-6 weeks.
- Participants completed two self-directed DLMO assessments remotely, with objective compliance measures.
Key Points:
- The study included 10 participants: 1 Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (ASWPD), 4 Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD), and 5 controls.
- Salivary DLMO times were successfully calculated for 8/10 participants using the Hockeystick method.
- DLMO times were, on average, 3 hours and 18 minutes earlier than self-reported sleep onset, showing significant phase differences.
Conclusions:
- Self-directed, at-home DLMO assessments are feasible and accurate.
- The developed protocol provides a reliable framework for assessing circadian phase remotely.
- This approach enhances accessibility for clinical and general populations.
