Overview
Background
My group works to understand and improve sleep for children and families. Sleep is a key ‘pillar of health’ alongside nutrition and activity. It is critical for healthy development, growth, learning, social and emotional functioning, and community participation.
I am the UQ Node Director for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (the Life Course Centre). The Life Course Centre is committed to understanding and overcoming the problems of disadvantage, and to helping improve the lives of disadvantaged children and families. The Centre brings together researchers across multiple disciplines in four leading Universities, and significant government and non-government agencies to address these questions.
I am also the UQ Node director for the ARC centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. The Digital Child aims to support children growing up in the rapidly changing digital world, and provide strong evidence and guidance for children, families, educators, government and other concerned with children’s wellbeing.
We collaborate with many other groups around broader issues of sleep and technology, sleep and the environment (including disasters), mental health and wellbeing, pain, disability, and new technologies and approaches. Our work has been supported by the ARC, NHMRC, the MRFF, the NIH, and the DSTG. We use a wide range of methods and measures, including direct physiological and behavioural measurement (inc. ECG, EEG, EMG, actigraphy, computerized tests, simulations, environmental monitoring etc.), quantitative methods (inc. experimental and secondary data approaches), and qualitative methods including co-design and co-conduct approaches.
My team has additional expertise in evaluation of health and other services for government and other agencies, the design of complex interventions, and community consultation and engagement.
Availability
- Professor Simon Smith is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Monash University
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Melbourne
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne
Works
Search Professor Simon Smith’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Conference Publication
Parent preference for sleep in childcare for their preschool child
Sinclair, D., Staton, S., Pattinson, C., Smith, S. and Thorpe, K. (2013). Parent preference for sleep in childcare for their preschool child. Sleep Down-under, Australasian Sleep Association, Brisbane, Australia, October 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
Sleepiness: how a biological drive can influence other risky road user behaviours
Watling, C. N., Armstrong, K. A. and Smith, S. S. (2013). Sleepiness: how a biological drive can influence other risky road user behaviours. 2013 Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) National Conference, Adelaide SA, Australia, 6-12 November 2013. ACRS.
2013
Conference Publication
How do current sleep practices in early childhood education and care settings reflect current knowledge about good sleep habits and environments?
Marriott, A., Staton, S., Thorpe, K., Pattinson, C. and Smith, S. (2013). How do current sleep practices in early childhood education and care settings reflect current knowledge about good sleep habits and environments?. Sleep DownUnder 2013, River of Dreams, 25th ASM of Australasian Sleep Association and Australasian Sleep Technologists Association, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17–19 October 2013. London, United Kingdom: Springer. doi: 10.1111/sbr.12028
2012
Journal Article
The relationship between cognitive ability, insight and self-regulatory behaviors: findings from the older driver population
Wong, Ides Y., Smith, Simon S. and Sullivan, Karen A. (2012). The relationship between cognitive ability, insight and self-regulatory behaviors: findings from the older driver population. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 49, 316-321. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.05.031
2012
Journal Article
The effect of extended wake on postural control in young adults
Smith, Simon S., Cheng, Tiffany and Kerr, Graham K. (2012). The effect of extended wake on postural control in young adults. Experimental Brain Research, 221 (3), 329-335. doi: 10.1007/s00221-012-3175-8
2012
Journal Article
Motivational interviewing (MINT) improves continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) acceptance and adherence: a randomzsed controlled trial
Olsen, Sara, Smith, Simon S., Oei, Tian P. S. and Douglas, James (2012). Motivational interviewing (MINT) improves continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) acceptance and adherence: a randomzsed controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80 (1), 151-163. doi: 10.1037/a0026302
2012
Conference Publication
Supply of non-prescription 'pharmacist-only' doxylamine tablets in Australian community pharmacies: a simulated patient study
Kashyap, K. C., Nissen, L. M., Smith, S. and Kyle, G. J. (2012). Supply of non-prescription 'pharmacist-only' doxylamine tablets in Australian community pharmacies: a simulated patient study. 21st Congress of the European Sleep Research Society, Paris, France, 4-8 September 2012. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2012.01044.x
2012
Conference Publication
Mothers' Sleep and Driving in the Postpartum Period
Trenorden, J., Armstrong, K. and Smith, S. (2012). Mothers' Sleep and Driving in the Postpartum Period. Annual Meeting of the Associated-Professional-Sleep-Societies (APSS), Boston Ma, Jun 09-13, 2012. WESTCHESTER: AMER ACAD SLEEP MEDICINE.
2012
Journal Article
Can a community pharmacy sleep assessment tool aid the identification of patients at risk of sleep disorders in the community: a pilot study
Prakash, Krishneeta C., Nissen, Lisa M., Smith, Simon S., Douglas, James A. and Kyle, Greg J. (2012). Can a community pharmacy sleep assessment tool aid the identification of patients at risk of sleep disorders in the community: a pilot study. Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice, 2012 (1), 3-12. doi: 10.2147/iprp.s36328
2012
Book
Improving quality of life in anxiety and depression: exploring group CBT outcomes and mechanisms of change
McAlinden, N., Oei, Tian Po S. and Smith, Simon (2012). Improving quality of life in anxiety and depression: exploring group CBT outcomes and mechanisms of change. Koln, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing.
2012
Conference Publication
Improving sleep disorder management through risk assessment in community pharmacies: opinions of general practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacist assistants
Kashyap, K. C., Nissen, L. M., Smith, S. and Kyle, G. J. (2012). Improving sleep disorder management through risk assessment in community pharmacies: opinions of general practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacist assistants. 21st Congress of the European-Sleep-Research-Society, Paris, France, 4-8 September 2012. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2012.01044.x
2011
Journal Article
Age and gender comparisons of driving while sleepy: behaviours and risk perceptions
Obst, Patricia, Armstrong, Kerry, Smith, Simon and Banks, Tamara (2011). Age and gender comparisons of driving while sleepy: behaviours and risk perceptions. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 14 (6), 539-542. doi: 10.1016/j.trf.2011.06.005
2011
Journal Article
Older adults’ safety perceptions of driving situations: Towards a new driving self-regulation scale
Sullivan, Karen A., Smith, Simon S., Horswill, Mark S. and Lurie-Beck, Janine K. (2011). Older adults’ safety perceptions of driving situations: Towards a new driving self-regulation scale. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 43 (3), 1003-1009. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2010.11.031
2011
Journal Article
The circadian response of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
Zele, Andrew J., Feigl, Beatrix, Smith, Simon S. and Markwell, Emma L. (2011). The circadian response of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. PLoS One, 6 (3) e17860, e17860. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017860
2011
Conference Publication
Postpartum fatigue and driving: relating experiences, thoughts and opinions 12 weeks post birth
Livingstone, K., Armstrong, K., Obst, P. and Smith, S. S. (2011). Postpartum fatigue and driving: relating experiences, thoughts and opinions 12 weeks post birth. Fourth International Conference on Women’s Issues in Transportation, Washington, DC, United States, 27-30 October 2009. Washington, DC, United States: Transportation Research Board .
2011
Conference Publication
Assessment and counselling provided with over-the-counter sleep requests: A secret shopper study
Prakash, Krishneeta, Nissen, Lisa M., Smith, S. and Kyle, G. (2011). Assessment and counselling provided with over-the-counter sleep requests: A secret shopper study. Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) Conference, Adelaide, December 2011.
2010
Journal Article
Measuring episodic memory: A novel approach with an indefinite number of alternative forms
Humphreys, Michael S., Smith, S., Pachana, Nancy A., Tehan, Gerry and Byrne, Gerard J. (2010). Measuring episodic memory: A novel approach with an indefinite number of alternative forms. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24 (8), 1080-1094. doi: 10.1002/acp.1591
2010
Journal Article
Managing driver fatigue education or motivation?
Armstrong, Kerry, Obst, Patricia, Banks, Tamara and Smith, Simon (2010). Managing driver fatigue education or motivation?. Road & Transport Research, 19 (3), 14-20.
2010
Journal Article
Cues to starting CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea: Development and validation of the cues to CPAP use questionnaire
Olsen, S, Smith, S, Oei, TPS and Douglas, J (2010). Cues to starting CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea: Development and validation of the cues to CPAP use questionnaire. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 6 (3), 229-237. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.27819
2010
Conference Publication
The utility of screening tools in a sleep disorder patient medication history within a hospital setting
Prakash, Krishneeta C., Nissen, Lisa M., Smith, Simon and Douglas, James (2010). The utility of screening tools in a sleep disorder patient medication history within a hospital setting. 16th International Social Pharmacy Workshop, Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 August 2010. Redondela, Spain: Centro de Investigaciones y Publicaciones Farmaceuticas.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Simon Smith is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving sleep health in young adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Master Philosophy
The impact of digital technology use on sleep and wellbeing in young children
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Return to safe driving after upper limb surgery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving sleep health in young adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, Health, and Social Consequences of Precarious Employment.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Return to safe driving after upper limb surgery
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, Health, and Social Consequences of Precarious Employment.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kalina Rossa, Dr Dwayne Mann
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Heart Rate Variability in Fatigue Assessment: A Multimodal Approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
-
Master Philosophy
The impact of digital technology use on sleep and wellbeing in young children
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Heart Rate Variability in Fatigue Assessment: A Multimodal Approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Cassandra Pattinson
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Signifiance of Nap Cessation for Children's Social-emotional Functioning
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Rankin, Professor Karen Thorpe, Associate Professor Sally Staton
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, Health, and Social Consequences of Precarious Employment.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving sleep health in young adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Master Philosophy
The 24 hour movement behaviours and the impact on children's developmental outcomes
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, cognition and cerebrovascular functioning across the lifespan
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Jenna Taylor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep health promotion in Indigenous Australian communities: Untapped potential of Indigenous youth workers as 'Sleep Coaches'
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Janin Chandra, Dr Ahmed Mehdi
-
Doctor Philosophy
Health and social impacts of precarious work: the role of sleep and fatigue.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep health promotion in Indigenous Australian communities: Untapped potential of Indigenous youth workers as 'Sleep Coaches'
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Janin Chandra, Dr Ahmed Mehdi
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, cognition and cerebrovascular functioning across the lifespan
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Jenna Taylor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Disentangling the relationship between sleep, stress and pain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr Manuela Besomi Molina, Dr David Klyne
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, cognition and cerebrovascular functioning across the lifespan
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Jenna Taylor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Co-design of a Psychological Therapy for Hypersomnia: Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Effectiveness
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shannon Edmed
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Developmental Significance of Sleep Transitions in Early Childhood
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Associate Professor Sally Staton
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep health promotion in Indigenous Australian communities: Untapped potential of Indigenous youth workers as 'Sleep Coaches'
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Janin Chandra, Dr Ahmed Mehdi
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Improving sleep health in young adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Kalina Rossa, Dr Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, Health, and Social Consequences of Precarious Employment.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Kalina Rossa, Dr Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Significance of Nap Cessation for Children's Social-emotional Functioning
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Rankin, Professor Karen Thorpe, Associate Professor Sally Staton
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
The Learning Implications for Children and Adolescents with Hypersomnolence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Honey Heussler
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Improving the management of sleep disorders in the community
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisa Nissen
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the management of over the counter sleep requests in community pharmacy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisa Nissen
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
The relationships between quality of life, psychopathology and group cognitive behavioural treatment outcome
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Tian Po Oei
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Using modifiable health beliefs to predict continuous positive airway pressure adherence: A motivational intervention improves adherence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Tian Po Oei
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Simon Smith directly for media enquiries about:
- Biological Rhythms
- Children's Health
- Digital Child
- Fatigue
- Sleep
- Sleep Disorders
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