Legal & Privacy
Terms of Participation & Privacy Policy
Contents
1. Who We Are
TeenSleepLab is a student-led sleep research initiative created by Shreeya Shenoy, the lead research investigator. These terms are only part of the process of informed consent. It should give you the basic idea of what the research is about and what you and your participation will involve. If you would like more detail about something mentioned here, or information not included here, please ask. Take the time to read this carefully and to understand any accompanying information.
For all privacy and data inquiries, contact us at: support@teensleeplab.ca
2. Background
Due to the puberty driven delays in sleep at night and early school start times, there is a systemic mismatch, resulting in widespread adolescent sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep loss is associated with significant effects on teenage health. Reduced levels of REM and NREM sleep (the two essential phases of sleep) can cause a weakened immune system, obesity, and memory consolidation failure. These problems can cause significant failures in basic body function, as well as cognitive function. It affects performance in academics, sports, memory, and motivation. Adolescents are often mischaracterized as a lack of motivation, but are often underperforming due to chronic sleep deprivation. Teenagers are unaware of the biological effects of sleep deprivation. In addition, challenges such as early school start times and late night digital demands cause further sleep disruption. By translating complex sleep science into accessible and easily adaptable tools, this project aims to empower teens to increase their sleep quality, quantity, regularity and timing (QQRT).
3. What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to determine if sleep-focused interventions are effective at improving the quality and quantity of participants' sleep. This study provides educational tools, not medical diagnosis or treatment, if you have any related concerns please direct them to a medical professional.
4. Eligibility
Participation is open to Canadians who are at least 13 years of age and no older than 19 at the time of enrolment. Participants who turn 20 during the study may continue until it concludes.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your consent form before you can access the study. This is required, not optional. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by contacting the study support email.
5. What would I be asked to do?
Computer Questionnaires (~10-15 minutes)
As a teen participant, you will complete two knowledge tests and sleep questionnaires during week 0 (the beginning) and week 4 (the end) of the study. The plausible changes in knowledge test and sleep score will indicate the efficacy of this sleep-intervention.
Daily Sleep-Intervention Content (~15 mins)
Every day, you will complete one sleep intervention method, such as reading simplified peer-reviewed sleep articles, or practising positive sleep hygiene methods. By the end of the 4 week intervention, you should have completed at least 30 lessons.
6. What are the risks?
You might feel frustrated and/or tired while completing questionnaires or interviews. All responses will be kept confidential and stored in a secure location. While trying positive sleep intervention methods, you may feel more tired when you initially start. As you continue building these habits, your overall sleep will improve.
7. Are there any benefits for me?
By participating in this study, you may benefit from the clinical treatment and improve your quality of sleep. This study will provide valuable information about positive sleep hygiene and behaviour, as well as general sleep science. This information will ultimately lead to research providing the overall sleep habits of teenagers in Canada, and whether a digital sleep-intervention is beneficial to society.
You will have increased knowledge of teenage sleep behaviour, sleep disruptors and appropriate intervention, such as sleep hygiene, conducive sleep behaviour, conducive sleep behaviour. This will enable you to educate and advocate other teenagers and stakeholders including parents, teachers, and policy-makers.
After completing the study and achieving a grade of above 75% on the final knowledge test, you can apply for the role of a Teen Sleep Ambassador. This leadership role entails the advertisement of this app and research study on various platforms. You will receive a certificate for proof of this role, which can be added to Linkedin or your resume.
8. Do I have to participate?
No. Participation in this study is voluntary and you may withdraw from the study at any time. If you decide to withdraw from the study, please contact the TeenSleepLab support email.
9. Will we be paid for participating, or do we have to pay for anything?
To thank you for your time, you will be added into a randomized lottery wheel for a gift card prize upon the completion of this program. This program is free for participants and does not require a participation fee.
10. Will my records be kept private?
Yes. Any information about you obtained from or for this research study will be kept confidential (private). Your data will be protected using secure access controls, encrypted storage and transmission, and other industry-standard safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access. A study identification (ID) number will be used on any research records (your name will not be on these records). Your information and name will not be linked even if we access the secure records. In the final research paper, all information will be anonymous and large-scale data compiled from the collective information received.
11. What We Collect
Account and identity information
When you create an account we collect your first name, last name, email address, date of birth, school name, grade, city, and province. This is used to verify eligibility and send study communications.
Guardian information
For participants under 18, we collect the name, email address, and phone number of a parent or legal guardian, used solely to obtain consent and deliver a signed copy of the consent form.
Study responses
We collect your answers to the Intro Survey and the Week 4 Final Survey. These are stored separately from your identity information.
Signed consent document
We retain a copy of your digitally signed consent form as a legal record of your agreement to participate. You will have access to your signed consent form at any time.
Technical data
We may collect basic technical data such as device type and time zone. This is used for research purposes only.
We do not collect: precise location, health records, biometric data, device identifiers, or anything not listed above.
12. How We Use Your Data
Your data is used exclusively for:
- Verifying your eligibility to participate
- Sending consent documents and study communications
- Collecting and analysing survey responses for the research
- Presenting anonymous findings in analysis and research papers
Ready to participate?
You have read the terms. Sign up to join the study.