Participate in Wholeness Research

The Wholeness Institute collaborates with many researchers across Loma Linda University Health to promote wholeness research. Below, you'll find LLUH research and ongoing studies that are looking for participants.

The Melatonin Adolescent Research Study (MARS)

Principal Investigators

Tori Van Dyk, PhD and Sunitha Nune, MD

Dr. Van Dyk represents the Department of Psychology within the School of Behavioral Health and Dr. Nune represents the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology within the School of Medicine

Criteria for Subject Selection

Adolescents ages 13-17 and their parent/legal guardian are being recruited. The adolescent must have a self- or parent-identified sleep problem (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early, and/or short or disrupted sleep). Further, the adolescent should be otherwise healthy with typical development and speak either English or Spanish.

Time Commitment of Subject

The adolescent and legal guardian will participate in the study for a total of five weeks. This will include attending three Friday afternoon office visits that will last approximately two hours each. Between office visits, adolescents will be asked to wear a watch that measures sleep and daytime activity in addition to completing a brief daily questionnaire. Finally, during the five week period, adolescents will be randomized to the order in which they take a placebo pill or a melatonin pill each night for 12 days each.

More Information

If you are interested in participating or would like more information regarding the study, please contact Dr. Van Dyk at tvandyk@llu.edu.