Anvi S. 2024 | BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
- Project Title: Revolutionizing Addiction Rehabilitation: A Journey into Sleep and Recovery
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Julia Wendel
- Internship Location: Veterans Affairs Hospital at Palo Alto
- Onsite Mentor: Emaya Anbalagan
Addiction is debilitating, affecting not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Now imagine having the strength to undergo this journey of recovery, only to find every obstacle in the way making it easier to relapse, especially when it comes to sleep. 70% of individuals attempting to recover from addiction struggle with chronic sleep issues. My project aims to take a significant step towards addressing this issue at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, where the residential rehabilitation program serves as a haven for dozens of veterans battling addiction and other neurological challenges upon returning from military service. Teaming up with attending psychiatrist Dr. Anbalagan, we're delving into the realm of neuroscience, psychology, and compassionate care to study the effects of integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) into existing treatment protocols. Through exhaustive literature reviews and baseline data collection on veterans’ sleep patterns and recovery rates, we'll implement interventions associated with sleep therapy, ranging from controlling sleep timings and naps to managing electronics and dietary habits before bed. Leveraging technological innovations such as wearable devices and CBT-I apps, we'll provide personalized interventions tailored to each participant's needs. By addressing sleep disturbances, our hypothesis anticipates a ripple effect on various facets of recovery, from reducing cravings to enhancing overall well-being. My expectation is not confined to statistical outcomes on the correlation between sleep and addiction recovery rate; it extends to the profound impact on the lives of veterans, offering them newfound hope in their healing journey.