Research That Changes Lives
One Night at a Time
Led by Dr. Vishal Saini, M.D., FAASM, MWCSD's research program investigates the conditions hiding behind chronic fatigue — advancing diagnosis, treatment, and technology for patients that conventional medicine has failed to help.
Narcolepsy Clinical Trials
Breaking new ground in one of sleep medicine's most complex disorders
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles — yet it takes an average of 10 years to receive a correct diagnosis. MWCSD is actively conducting and participating in clinical trials targeting both Type 1 (with cataplexy) and Type 2 narcolepsy, evaluating novel orexin-based therapies, improved diagnostic tools, and long-term disease management strategies.
- Orexin receptor agonist trials for Type 1 narcolepsy (orexin deficiency)
- Novel wake-promoting agents beyond traditional stimulant therapy
- Sodium oxybate and low-sodium oxybate outcomes research
- Biomarker discovery for earlier and more accurate narcolepsy diagnosis
- Quality of life and cognitive function studies in narcolepsy patients
- Pediatric narcolepsy evaluation — open to patients ages 3 and older
Narcolepsy Clinical Trials
Breaking new ground in one of sleep medicine's most complex disorders
Rare Sleep Disorders
Uncovering what medicine has long overlooked
Millions of patients suffer from sleep conditions that are chronically misdiagnosed as depression, stress, or laziness. Our research focuses on identifying, characterizing, and treating the full spectrum of rare sleep disorders — from Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Kleine-Levin Syndrome to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder.
- Idiopathic Hypersomnia — excessive daytime sleepiness without identifiable cause
- Kleine-Levin Syndrome — episodic hypersomnia with cognitive and behavioral changes
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder — acting out dreams during REM sleep
- Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder — circadian rhythm misalignment
- Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence — diagnostic and treatment pathways
Rare Sleep Disorders
Uncovering what medicine has long overlooked
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Protecting the health of those who work while others sleep
Approximately 20% of the American workforce works non-traditional hours — yet shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) remains vastly underdiagnosed. Our research examines circadian disruption in shift workers, its long-term health consequences, and the most effective interventions to restore circadian alignment and reduce chronic disease risk.
- Circadian misalignment in rotating and night-shift workers
- Cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of chronic shift work
- Light therapy and melatonin-based chronotherapy protocols
- Cognitive performance and safety in sleep-deprived shift workers
- Pharmaceutical interventions for wakefulness and alertness
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Protecting the health of those who work while others sleep
Sleep Devices & Implants
Next-generation technology for treatment-resistant sleep disorders
When CPAP therapy fails or isn't tolerated, advanced neurostimulation and implantable devices offer new hope for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and other refractory disorders. We evaluate cutting-edge devices including hypoglossal nerve stimulators, phrenic nerve stimulators, and emerging brain-computer interface technologies for sleep monitoring.
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulators (e.g., Inspire) for CPAP-intolerant OSA patients
- Phrenic nerve stimulators for central sleep apnea
- Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) device optimization
- Wearable continuous sleep monitoring and AI-based scoring
- Implantable biosensors for long-term circadian and sleep data
Sleep Devices & Implants
Next-generation technology for treatment-resistant sleep disorders
Current Clinical Studies
We are actively enrolling participants for the following studies. Review the eligibility criteria and contact us to learn more.
Narcolepsy Orexin Therapy Trial
Evaluating the safety and efficacy of orexin receptor agonists in patients with Type 1 narcolepsy. This trial targets the root cause — orexin deficiency — rather than managing symptoms alone.
Rare Hypersomnolence Registry Study
Longitudinal study tracking patients with idiopathic hypersomnia and other central hypersomnia disorders to identify biomarkers and treatment response patterns.
Shift Worker Circadian Health Program
Evaluating the effectiveness of personalized light therapy and chronotherapy schedules in reducing metabolic and cognitive impairment in night-shift workers.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes Registry
Long-term outcomes registry for patients receiving hypoglossal nerve stimulator implants, tracking AHI reduction, quality of life, and device adherence.
Additional studies may be available. Call (517) 887-6733 to ask about current enrollment opportunities.
Why Participate in Clinical Research?
Research participants are partners in discovery. Your involvement helps uncover treatments that could change sleep medicine — for you and for millions of others.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Receive a full sleep medicine evaluation at no cost as part of study participation.
Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments
Be among the first to access novel therapies and technologies not yet widely available.
IRB-Approved Protocols
All studies follow rigorous ethical standards and are approved by an Institutional Review Board.
Advance Sleep Medicine
Your participation directly contributes to discoveries that help future patients.
Informed Consent for Research Participation
Before enrolling in any MWCSD research study, all participants must read and sign the Informed Consent Form. This document explains the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, your rights as a participant, and your right to withdraw at any time without consequence.
Regulatory Compliance: All MWCSD research studies are conducted under IRB oversight and comply with FDA, ICH GCP, and applicable federal and state regulations governing human subjects research. Participation in any study is separate from your standard clinical care.
Release of Information Form
Authorize MWCSD to share your protected health information for research participation, care coordination, or other specified purposes. All submissions are encrypted and handled in compliance with HIPAA.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're a patient looking for answers or want to contribute to sleep medicine research, our team is here to guide you through every step.