Pediatric Sleep and Circadian Research

As leaders in pediatric research related to the evaluation and management of sleep and circadian function and dysfunction, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia investigators with expertise in sleep and circadian fields or with vulnerable populations span multiple divisions and departments. The Pediatric Sleep and Circadian Research Affinity Group provides an opportunity for improved collaboration, as well as dissemination of findings and education across the broader research community. Through regular forums to share works-in-progress, the group will help catalyze ideas for new projects and methodologies, and encourage new potential collaborators and trainees to engage with the expertise of the group through a culture of inclusivity.

The co-leaders of the group bring complementary expertise to help facilitate projects and collaborations. Jonathan Mitchell, PhD, is a co-director of the Center for Human Phenomic Science (CHPS) Digital Health Innovation Core, and his research program is focused on sleep and its impact on body composition in childhood. Christopher Cielo, DO, is the director of the CHOP Sleep Center and CHPS Sleep Core. His research program focuses on the evaluation and management of obstructive sleep apnea in children, and the Sleep Core supports polysomnography, home sleep apnea testing, and other services for pediatric populations.

Focus areas for the Sleep and Circadian RAG include: an actigraphy working group, assessment of novel instruments for evaluating sleep in children, clinical trials design, sleep and specific conditions (such as Down syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome), novel medical and surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and improving sleep and circadian regulation in hospitalized children.