Frequently Asked Questions: Information About Our Sleep Studies
What is the Sleep Center?
The Henry Ford Sleep Disorders and Research Center was founded in 1978 as one of the first sleep disorders centers in the United States and is one of the leading sleep laboratories in the world. The Center provides diagnosis and treatment of all major sleep disorders (sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, etc.) and has consistently been one of the top national research facilities for the scientific study of sleep.The Center is located in the Clara Ford Pavilion adjacent to the Henry Ford Hospital Clinical Center. A total of 14 separate bedrooms are available for clinical and research purposes. The center prides itself on maintaing a facility and staff which insure that individuals feel comfortable and relaxed during their stay.
What is the Sleep Center's research mission and record of achievement?
The HFHS Sleep Center ranks among the most well funded centers in the country for the study of normal and abnormal sleep processes. Current research programs include the study of individual vulnerability and pathophysiology of insomnia, the effects of alcohol on sleep, and long-term effects of sleep medications.Our staff have held numerous leadership positions within the international sleep community including:
- President of the American Sleep Disorders Association
- Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal SLEEP
- Two past Presidents of the Sleep Research Society
- Chair of the National Sleep Foundation
- Professorships at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University
The Sleep Center staff has published over 500 articles and more than 50 book chapters related to sleep processes.
Who staffs the Sleep Center?
Thomas Roth, Ph.D.
Dr. Roth is internationally recognized as one of the leading researchers in the field of sleep medicine and serves as the Division Head of Sleep Medicine.
Timothy A. Roehrs, Ph.D.
Dr. Roehrs is the Director of Research at the HFHS Sleep Center and studies the effects of pain, alcohol, and medications on sleep.
David W. Hudgel, M.D.
Our clinic director, Dr. Hudgel is also internationally recognized for his studies on the mechanisms and treatment of sleep apnea.
Gary S. Richardson, M.D.
Dr. Richardson, a researcher at the sleep center, has made significant contributions to the study of biological rhythms and sleep disorders.
Christopher L. Drake, Ph.D.
Dr. Drake is a nationally recognized expert on insomnia and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Sleep Foundation.
Meeta Singh, M.D.
Dr. Singh conducts research on sleep deprivation, obesity, and features of narcolepsy, a rare and importantsleep disorder involving excessive daytime sleepinesss.
Kenneth L. Moss, M.D.
Dr. Moss has also recently joined our clinic staff.
What are some examples of HFHS Sleep Center research?
- Studying factors that make people prone to developing insomnia
- Equating the impairing effects of alcohol with sleep loss
- Neuropsychological function in sleep apnea
- Obesity associated with sleep loss
- Relationship between reduced sleep and increased pain
Why should I volunteer for a sleep study?
You can participate in the advancement of scientific knowledge about sleep function that may lead to better treatments and even cures for sleep disorders. To ensure that your rights are fully protected, all studies have been approved by the Henry Ford Hospital Institutional Review Board and are supervised by a physician and other research professionals.All studies are voluntary and individuals may discontinue their involvement at any time. Before taking part in a study, all procedures will be explained to you and you will sign a consent form indicating that you would like to participate. Any questions you may have prior to or during the study will be answered in a thorough and timely manner by one of our staff and you may be informed of the results of all of the studies.
Finally, when you participate in a study, your privacy is protected and all information obtained will remain completely confidential.
Where do I sign up?
You may fill out an online form here or click "Qualify for a Study" in the menu at the top of the page.You can also call our 24-Hour Telephone Line at (313) 916-5185.
Neither sign-up method will receive preferential treatment over the other.
What can I expect during my stay?
As a patient or a study volunteer, your stay will usually include an overnight stay at the Sleep Center. Each participant or patient is given a private bedroom for the duration of their stay which icnludes a normal double-sized bed (not a hospital bed), private bathroom, desk, and television.A variety of methods of sleep assessment may be used including: the monitoring of sleep using small sensors placed on the head, oxygen measurements, breathing assessment, and daytime alertness measurements.
In order to maintain the quality of our clinical and research services, the center is located away from noise and other hospital-related disturbances that could disrupt one's sleep. All meals are provided by the center during the duration of your stay.
How will I be compensated for volunteering?
Some studies involve more time than others and therefore payment varies. Currently, the average payment for a study is $100.00 per night.Where is the Sleep Center?
The Sleep Center is located on the 3rd floor of Clara Ford Pavilion on the northwest corner of the main Henry Ford Hospital Campus. Please park in the pay lot directly across from the building. You will be reimbursed for all parking fees.Map it with Google Maps
