Associations Between Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Sleep Duration and Regularity in World Trade Center Exposed Responders
2024 Diversity Supplement Grant
HORACIO ROMERO CASTILLO, MA
ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
Key Project Outcome
The AASM Foundation Diversity Supplement Grant afforded me the opportunity to pursue a yearlong research study that combined my passion for Sleep Medicine and Otolaryngology. Our grant, focused on the associations between chronic rhinosinusitis and sleep duration and regularity in World Trade Center exposed responders, allowed us to investigate the intersection between nasal symptoms and sleep.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Ayappa, Dr. Rappaport, and Dr. Lin, I was able to build on the skills gained through prior clinical research experience to take a leadership role in a prospective study. Through a combination of formal didactic learning, data journal clubs, and one-on-one interactions with mentors, I gained hands-on experience with collecting actigraphy, CT/MRI, and nasal endoscopy reports, and questionnaire data with rigorous methodology. Additionally, I gained invaluable skills related to study design, data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of findings in the context of both clinical and translational research.
Our findings demonstrate an objective reduction in sleep duration in subjects with acute sinonasal symptoms compared to asymptomatic and chronic symptom groups. These results provide the first evidence linking acute sinonasal pathology to reduced sleep time and lay the groundwork for future studies exploring the mechanisms underlying sleep disruption in sinonasal disease.
This research experience has been pivotal in my development as a physician–scientist. It strengthened my skills in framing research questions, critically evaluating outcomes, and identifying logical next steps. It also reinforced the value of multidisciplinary mentorship. Most importantly, it has cemented my commitment to advancing a career at the intersection of Otolaryngology and Sleep Medicine. As a newly minted Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery resident, I plan to continue pursuing research opportunities that build on this work and ultimately translate into improved care for patients with sinonasal and sleep disorders.