ImpRoving the Reporting of ITch using AcceleromeTErs in kidney patients (IRRITATE)

One in three people with kidney disease are bothered by itchy skin, but many do not discuss this with their care team. Itchy skin can lead to sleeping problems. Researchers and students from the University of Manchester are looking into this problem. They want to know if wearable devices (or 'accelerometers') can help with assessing sleeping problems in people with kidney disease who suffer from itch.

The research involves wearing an accelerometer on your non-dominant wrist for seven nights to record your movement, filling in a daily sleep and itch diary, and completing an online questionnaire. Once you have completed your data collection period, you will receive a shopping voucher to thank you for your contribution.

We are looking for people with kidney disease who:

• Are 18 years or older
• Are under the care of a kidney doctor
• Are currently bothered by moderate to severe itching
• Have their own email address

You cannot participate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, skin condition, Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome.
• Have taken sleep medication or other drugs with a sedative effect in the past four weeks.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact the research team by emailing or calling Dr Sabine van der Veer ([email protected], phone: 0161 3067 767).

You can also find more information about the study here: www.herc.ac.uk/research_prject/irit-a/