I've noticed that a subgroup of patients with a particular disorder have an interesting diurnal pattern to their symptoms. As far as I can tell, this has not been covered in the literature (although there are studies that touch on the topic).
Sadly I am not a medical professional or scientist, so I can't take this anywhere myself.
Obviously at this point it is anecdotal. What could I do to bring this to the attention of someone who could potentially research it?
I had thought about collecting data through a survey, but as I am not affiliated with an institution this would be difficult. Could I find a graduate student to help me? Would this help me get traction with a medical researcher?
I must disclose that I have the disorder and the diurnal pattern, which is how I came to notice it.
And – you are free to disbelieve me – but I am not a crank, and have a bit of background in science as a keen layperson and former copy editor of health textbooks.
I know research ideas in science often spring from observations and "Hm, that's funny" moments and it seems to me that this could be one of those moments.
