How is Sleep related to Sensitivity to Noises, Touch and Lights in Adults with Learning Disabilities?

Many people with learning disabilities are very sensitive to sensations such as loud noises, lights and touch. We would like to learn how sleep issues might influence their sensory perception issues.

Our team is running two studies to investigate the relationship between sleep and sensory issues among learning disabled people.

Study 1: We will ask carers of people with a learning disability about their observations on learning disabled people's sleep and sensory issues.

Study 2: We will measure learning disabled people's physiological data during sleep for several nights. We will also examine their sensory sensitivity with a computer-based test, and interview them about their experiences.

We are currently looking for carers to participate in study 1. We will launch study 2 later this year.

Why this study matters to learning disabled people

Study overview

Study 1: Participate in our survey on sleep and sensory issues (for carers)

In this survey, we are looking to learn about the views of carers of people with a learning disability (IQ less than 70, aged between 18-45). Participate in our survey sharing your perspective on what types of sleep and sensory sensitivity issues the person you care for experiences.

Participation: To participate in the study or find out more about what is required, please contact: sleep-id@qmul.ac.uk

Eligibility: Anyone based in the UK who is a carer of someone with a learning disability is eligible to participate.

Study 2: Participate in our sleep study (for people with learning disabilities)

We are looking for people with learning disabilities who would like to participate in a study on sensory problems and sleep. The study will be based at home. You will record physiological data during sleep with a fitbit during seven nights and perform some cognitive tasks.

To sign up for this study, please contact: sleep-id@qmul.ac.uk

Participation: We will contact you about your participation once the study is launched.

Eligibility: Only people with a learning disability living in or near London are eligible to participate.