College of Human Sciences faculty members secure $2.73 million grant to advance sleep research

Researchers in the College of Human Sciences will soon get a boost to continue their dedication and steady commitment to finding solutions advancing the science and study of sleep research, thanks to securing a recent $2.73 million grant.

Dr. Brian Gillis, assistant professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, and Dr. Ben Hinnant, professor, in the College of Human Sciences’ Department of Human Development and Family Science received the $2.73 million R01 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities for their project, “Good Nights Sleep Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Improve Children's and Parents’ Sleep.”

The project responds to documented sleep difficulties among many children and parents in families with low income, despite the importance of sleep for health. Causes of poor sleep include inadequate sleep hygiene practices (e.g., consistent sleep routine) and sleep environment factors (e.g., noise) that disturb sleep. The project tests a program to improve sleep hygiene practices and sleep environments as mechanisms of intervention effects on sleep health in families with low income. 

Earlier this year, Gillis said he was excited about securing future grant proposals as sleep research continues to evolve on Auburn’s campus.