Are you active and struggle to fall asleep?

Get the most out of your training by helping us investigate the effect of a novel whey protein on sleep, mood, and cognition!

In collaboration with Deakin University and it’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences PhD student and an accredited sports dietitian for the Western Bulldogs AFL Women and VFL men’s teams, Jackson Barnard (BHSc, BExSpSc(Hons), MDiet, PhD Candidate) is seeking an expression of interest regarding a study investigating the impact of a novel whey protein on the sleep of active (training >3 times per week) male and females aged 18-40 that struggle to fall asleep (latency of 15min and over)

Sleep difficulty can negatively impact an athlete’s mood, cognition, recovery, and sporting performance, Mr. Barnard believe’s that this study investigating a practical nutrition strategy to improve sleep may be of interest to our members, supporters and athletes alike.

Mr. Barnard has provided an overview of the rationale and commitment required for the study below, but can provide you with further information if you’re interested.

Study Overview & Requirement

TITLE: Effect of pre-sleep α-lactalbumin supplementation in a trained population with sleep difficulties

PRIMARY INVESTIGATORS: Student Researcher – Jackson Barnard (Deakin University); Primary Supervisor – Dr. Dominique Condo (Deakin University)

  • Staying overnight at Burwood campus × 3 nights
  • All food provided
  • Supplementation of a novel whey protein
  • Amino acid analysis via blood test
  • Sleep analysis via a comfortable headband
  • Be reimbursed for your time
  • Get a consult with a sports dietitian
  • Have the option to get body composition (skinfolds) measured by an ISAK Level 1 Technician
  • Receive a full sleep report

Purpose Of The Protein And Sleep Study

The impact of diet on sleep is a growing area of research interest, with reports that protein intakes high in the amino acid tryptophan may benefit sleep, especially for those experiencing sleep complaints. In addition to sleep, the intake of α-Lactalbumin, also known as “whey protein in tryptophan” may improve mood and cognitive performance of an individual. The effect of α-Lactalbumin intake on these measures has not been completed within an active population with sleep difficulties previously.

Participant Benefits & Commitment

Commitment:

  • 1 night at Deakin University Burwood campus for familiarisation session (1-week before study commencement)
  • 3 nights at Deakin University Burwood campus for each intervention period (6 nights total) separated by a minimum 5-night wash-out period
  • A cannula will be inserted on the first night of each intervention period (2 occasions total), with five blood samples to be taken on these days (half-hourly intervals)
  • Simple, short surveys and cognitive testing (software based) to be completed each morning and evening during the intervention periods.

Benefits:

  • Receive a $450 Coles Group & Myer e-gift card following your completion of the study
  • Get a consult with a sports dietitian
  • Have the option to get body composition (skinfolds) measured by an ISAK Level 1 Technician
  • Receive personal results including full sleep report
  • The α-lactalbumin may be able to assist you in falling asleep and achieving better quality sleep

Time commitment

The time commitment required each day during the intervention periods:

  • Total time taken to complete cognitive testing, questionnaires, and diaries is estimated at ~30-45 minutes

Should you wanted to know more or would like to have Mr. Jackson Barnard come and give a presentation at your club around sports nutrition for athletics and the importance for this study, please contact us.

Please note: this study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: 2021-372)

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