Understanding sleep disturbance in clients seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of injury and chronic disease and mortality in Australia, and the leading cause of disability or death for those aged 15-49, the most economically productive sector of society. Despite advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of AUD, and in particular the role of the orexin system in the drive to seek and consume alcohol, the clinical treatment of AUD by psychosocial and/or pharmacological interventions has proven difficult. While treatment can lead to striking improvements in physical and mental health outcomes, often the results are poor particularly when comorbid conditions including sleep disturbances such as insomnia are present. This is problematic given that sleep disturbances are a prominent clinical problem in AUD, and are recognised as an important predictor of relapse. This PhD project will work on clinical trials and studies at Turning Point to investigate sleep disturbances in patients seeking treatment for AUD. The project will involve collection and analysis of both subjective and objective measures of sleep with outcomes of this work helping to delineate the role and impact that comorbid sleep disturbances have on the course and progression of recovery from AUD. This PhD program would suit applicants with a background in psychology, psychiatry or sleep medicine.