# Effect of exercise on nocturnal metabolism and sleep quality in individuals with metabolic syndrome

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2020 · $55,160

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in the US and is associated with increased risk of chronic disease
(e.g. cardiovascular disease and diabetes) and sleep problems. Work conducted by our research team has
shown that insufficient sleep and alterations in nocturnal fat metabolism are related to clinically relevant health
outcomes. Exercise is a known therapeutic intervention which may improve both nocturnal fat metabolism and
sleep quality. Therefore, the overall goal of this mentored F32 proposal is to determine the impact of exercise
on nocturnal metabolism and sleep quality in individuals with MetS. The applicant, Dr. Jennifer Blankenship,
received graduate training in the effects of physical activity on 24-hour glycemic control and is proposing
additional training in human bioenergetics, sleep and circadian physiology. Dr. Blankenship is interested in
identifying the links between exercise, sleep and fat metabolism. Dr. Blankenship and her mentoring team have
developed a comprehensive training plan that will build on her previous experience and expand her knowledge
and skills in new areas. Dr. Blankenship’s primary training objectives are to: (1) increase her professional
development by attending and participating in extramural and intramural conferences; (2) obtain didactic training
in biochemistry and metabolism, sleep and circadian physiology, and advanced biostatistics; (3) gain experience
in conducting mechanistically-driven human clinical translational research, through her proposed research
project and collaboration with her mentors; (4) learn new research skills pertaining to measurement of sleep
quality, energy metabolism, and substrate oxidation; and (5) produce several first-authored publications and
enhance her grant writing skills. To achieve these training goals, Dr. Blankenship has proposed a research study
to examine the effects of exercise on nocturnal fat and glucose metabolism and sleep quality to better understand
the biological mechanisms that drive the interactions between exercise and sleep. These initial studies will be
performed in adults diagnosed with MetS because sleep problems are common in this patient population, and
because the presence of MetS increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Successful
completion of this research will result in several first-authored publications as well as generate critical preliminary
data needed to support a competitive K01 application. It is expected that during this training period, Dr.
Blankenship will generate several co-authored publications related to the ongoing research of her primary
mentor’s laboratory. Collectively, these activities will expand Dr. Blankenship’s knowledge and skills necessary
to establish an independent research program investigating interactions between physical activity, sleep,
metabolism, and chronic disease risk. The F32 award will provide the support and protected time necessary to
achieve these ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10011561
- **Project number:** 5F32DK121403-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Blankenship
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $55,160
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-04 → 2021-05-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10011561

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10011561, Effect of exercise on nocturnal metabolism and sleep quality in individuals with metabolic syndrome (5F32DK121403-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10011561. Licensed CC0.

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