About

What was your PhD topic?

I am currently undertaking the second year of my PhD. My research focuses on the relationship between sleep and daytime functioning, and how/if we can use consumer-available devices (e.g., sleep sensors, wellbeing apps) to monitor this relationship in real-world settings.

Have you done any presentations about sleep or spoken to the media? (send pics if possible!)

I have presented sleep research at multiple conferences, including the World Sleep Congress (in Brazil!) and Sleep Down Under here in Australia.

How did you become interested in sleep?

I first became interested in sleep after I was first introduced to ‘sleep stages’ in my Year 12 psychology class. This prompted me to read ‘Why We Sleep’, a book by sleep researcher Matthew Walker, that further piqued my interest. Later, I had my third-year university placement with Professor Gradisar and team – since which I’ve not been able to leave.

What’s in your typical bedtime routine?

Hmm, I am a relatively good sleeper so don’t necessarily have a set ‘routine’; however, I do like to be in bed and sleeping by 10-10:30pm. I find myself getting tired whilst relaxing at around 9:30pm, after which I clean my teeth and head to bed. Whilst in bed I enjoy watching relaxing videos before closing my eyes to sleep!

What’s your ultimate sleep goal?

My ultimate sleep goal is to ensure I, personally, sleep well enough so that my daytime self feels motivated, alert, and contented. I’d also like to be a resilient sleeper, so that when tough or stressful times inevitably come around my sleep (and all the benefit that come with good sleep!) doesn’t suffer – too much…! Beyond me, I hope that my work in the future will play some part in helping others to see what life can look like through well-rested eyes!