Paid Sleep Research Study
Hebrew Senior Life is looking for older adults with sleep problems to consume tart cherry products to help determine if these products can change sleep patterns.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Sleep Problems
Ages 65+
Compensation Provided
Greater Boston, MA Area
Study Background
Hebrew Senior Life is looking for older adults with sleep problems to consume tart cherry products to help determine if these products can change sleep patterns.
Older adults often have trouble with sleep . Tart cherries are a dietary source of magnesium, melatonin and other compounds that might help with sleep. If eligible:
- You will be asked to wear a digital study watch for 12 weeks
- There will be 7 study visits over 12 weeks
- 5 visits will take place at our clinic in Roslindale, MA, the other two visits can be via phone
- Transportation for visits can be provided
- At visits you will fill out questionnaires about your medical history, sleep, mood, and stress, etc.
- You will be asked to provide 4 blood samples and 4 urine samples
- You will be asked to drink both the tart cherry juice and the placebo juice for 4 weeks each
- You will be compensated for your time
Study Background
Hebrew Senior Life is looking for older adults with sleep problems to consume tart cherry products to help determine if these products can change sleep patterns.
Older adults often have trouble with sleep . Tart cherries are a dietary source of magnesium, melatonin and other compounds that might help with sleep. If eligible:
- You will be asked to wear a digital study watch for 12 weeks
- There will be 7 study visits over 12 weeks
- 5 visits will take place at our clinic in Roslindale, MA, the other two visits can be via phone
- Transportation for visits can be provided
- At visits you will fill out questionnaires about your medical history, sleep, mood, and stress, etc.
- You will be asked to provide 4 blood samples and 4 urine samples
- You will be asked to drink both the tart cherry juice and the placebo juice for 4 weeks each
- You will be compensated for your time
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to test if a study that asks older adults with sleep problems to consume tart cherry products is feasible and determine if it can change sleep patterns.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Men and women aged 65+ years
- Experiencing sleeping difficulties
- Usual bed-time between 8:00 pm and 1:00 am
Exclusion Criteria
- Unwilling to follow the study protocol
- Inability to properly use the wearable device, complete smartphone-based surveys, or follow the intervention protocol
- Self-report of medically diagnosed sleep disorders except insomnia (e.g., sleep apnea)
- Current and consistent use of sleep aids or hypnotic prescriptions (e.g., trazadone)
- Self-report of cognitive impairment, dementia, or other neurological disorder
- Are on unstable medications (i.e., change within the last 3 months) for other conditions
- Have an allergy to the intervention products
- Self-report history of diabetes
- No current alcohol or substance use disorder
- Are excessive caffeine drinkers (>5 cups of caffeinated beverages a day)
- Any other reason/condition the PI and investigative team believe this intervention would be unsafe
The entire study lasts 12 weeks. You will be asked to wear a digital monitor that measures your sleep and activity for the entire study. During 4 of the 12 weeks you will be asked to drink tart cherry juice and during a different 4 weeks you will be asked to drink the placebo juice. Blood (about 3 teaspoons) and urine samples will be taken before and after drinking both juices to measure certain biological markers related to sleep. You will also be asked to avoid eating certain foods (for example, tart cherries). If enrolled in the study, participants can expect the following:
- 7 total study visits over 12 weeks
- 4 visits in-person at our research lab
- Asked to drink cherry and placebo juice for 4 weeks each
- Wear a study watch that connects to their phone in order to capture sleep data
- Complete assessments involving mood, stress, pain, anxiety and feelings
- Measurements of height, weight and vitals
- 4 blood draws
- Urine collection
As a participant, you can receive up to $550 for participating in this study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.