We are thrilled to announce that a research team led by Professor Wing Yun-kwok, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Psychiatry at CUHK, has been awarded a grant of more than HK$67 million under the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2025/26 on the project “Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: Potential Window for Prevention of Mental Disorders in Adolescents”. The purpose of the Theme-based Research Scheme is to focus academic research efforts of UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong.

According to data, 75% of mental health problems begin before the age of 24. Local statistics show that 5.4% and 6.1% of adolescents suffer from depression and anxiety respectively, but many patients remain undiagnosed. Most existing prevention programmes adopt a “one-size-fits-all” model that cannot meet the unique circumstances and needs of individuals, resulting in limited effectiveness. Moreover, adolescents have a low rate of seeking help, creating an urgent need for innovative methods to improve the current situation.

Professor Wing’s study project aims to explore the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on adolescent mental health and to develop personalised prevention programmes. This project is divided into two phases. The first phase utilises artificial intelligence and wearable technology to analyse sleep and circadian rhythm data, building a precise model that predicts depression and anxiety. The second phase implements personalised intervention models to prevent mental illness by addressing sleep problems, while evaluating biomarker changes and assessing cost-effectiveness. This research emphasises that sleep disturbances are a significant predictor of mood problems, with sleep issues increasing the risk of mood disorders by 2 to 3 times.

The study could have great potential to revolutionise mental health prevention strategies, offering critical insights for future healthcare policies and implementation. By prioritising sleep and circadian rhythms during this vital developmental stage of adolescents, the study aims to create a personalised AI-driven approach that will have the potential to fundamentally transform the delivery and management of mental health care and preventive medicine.

The first phase of the study utilises artificial intelligence and wearable technology to analyse sleep and circadian rhythm data, building a precise model that predicts depression and anxiety.

The second phase of the study implements personalised intervention models to prevent mental illness by addressing sleep problems, while evaluating biomarker changes and assessing cost-effectiveness.

For more details of the study:

CUHK News Centre (CUHK CPRO Website):

(English) https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/four-cuhk-led-research-projects-receive-funds-of-over-hk220-million-from-rgc-under-the-areas-of-excellence-scheme-and-theme-based-research-scheme-2025-26/
(Chinese) https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/tc/press/four-cuhk-led-research-projects-receive-funds-of-over-hk220-million-from-rgc-under-the-areas-of-excellence-scheme-and-theme-based-research-scheme-2025-26/

CU Medicine Website:

(English)

CU Medicine study on preventing mental disorders in adolescents received over HK$67 million funding from RGC
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cu-medicine-study-on-preventing-mental-disorders-in-adolescents-received-over-hkd-67-million-funding-from-rgc
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/awards
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/award-winning-research

(Chinese)

中大醫學院研究預防青少年精神問題獲研資局資助逾6,700萬港元
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/tc/press-releases/cu-medicine-study-on-preventing-mental-disorders-in-adolescents-received-over-hkd-67-million-funding-from-rgc

The University Grants Committee’s Research Grants Council Website:

(English) https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/trs/funded_research/trs15_lay_sum.html#15_2
(Chinese) https://www.ugc.edu.hk/big5/rgc/funding_opport/trs/funded_research/trs15_lay_sum.html#15_2

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