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
2023
Journal Article
Return to driving following surgery to the upper limb: a scoping review protocol
Rankin, Carly Renee and Smith, Simon (2023). Return to driving following surgery to the upper limb: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 13 (6) e070618, 1-4. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070618
2023
Conference Publication
The mediating effect of sleep quality and psychological distress on the relationship between precarious employment and physical health
Jaydarifard, Saeed, Smith, Simon, Rossa, Kalina, Mann, Dwayne, Nikooharf Salehi, Elahe and Shekari Soleimanloo, Shamsi (2023). The mediating effect of sleep quality and psychological distress on the relationship between precarious employment and physical health. 17th World Congress on Public Health, Rome, Italy, 2-6 May 2023. Heraklion, Greece: EU European Publishing. doi: 10.18332/popmed/163873
2023
Journal Article
Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program
Edmed, Shannon L., Huda, M. Mamun, Smith, Simon S., Seib, Charrlotte, Porter-Steele, Janine, Anderson, Debra and McCarthy, Alexandra L. (2023). Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 18 (3), 960-971. doi: 10.1007/s11764-023-01346-9
2023
Other Outputs
Sharper Minds 2022 Report
Dingle, G., Williams, E., Alhadad, S. S. J., Beckman, E., Bentley, S., Fooken, J., Gomersall, S. R., Hides, L., Ludlow, T., Maccallum, F., McKimmie, B.M., Rossa, K., Smith, S. S., Walter, Z.C and Wright, O. (2023). Sharper Minds 2022 Report.
2023
Journal Article
Geographical variations in the prevalence of traditional and cyberbullying and its additive role in psychological and somatic health complaints among adolescents in 38 European countries
Hasan, Md. Mehedi, Fatima, Yaqoot, Cleary, Anne, McDaid, Lisa, Munir, Kerim, Smith, Simon S., Dias, Shannon, Baxter, Janeen and Mamun, Abdullah (2023). Geographical variations in the prevalence of traditional and cyberbullying and its additive role in psychological and somatic health complaints among adolescents in 38 European countries. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 164 111103, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111103
2022
Journal Article
Sleep and health-related quality of life in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program in Australia
Edmed, Shannon L., Huda, M. Mamun, Smith, Simon S., Seib, Charrlotte, Porter-Steele, Janine, Anderson, Debra and McCarthy, Alexandra L. (2022). Sleep and health-related quality of life in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program in Australia. Supportive Care in Cancer, 30 (12), 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s00520-022-07429-0
2022
Conference Publication
Nap cessation age does not predict social-emotional functioning in early childhood: Findings from the e4kids study
Loeffler, Anna, Rankin, Peter, Thorpe, Karen, Smith, Simon and Staton, Sally (2022). Nap cessation age does not predict social-emotional functioning in early childhood: Findings from the e4kids study. 26th Conference of the European Sleep Research Society, Athens, Greece, 27–30 September 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2022
Conference Publication
Effect of CBT-I on sleep-wake state discrepancy in individuals with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial
Bensen-Boakes, D., Osman, A., Lack, L., Catcheside, P., Antic, N., Smith, S., Chai-Coetzer, C., O'Grady, A., Dunn, N., Robinson, J., McEvoy, D. and Sweetman, A. (2022). Effect of CBT-I on sleep-wake state discrepancy in individuals with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial. Sleep DownUnder 2022, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 9-11 November 2022. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.091
2022
Conference Publication
Feasibility of assessing environmental factors in residential treatment settings: Preliminary associations between objective sleep and mental health outcomes
Rossa, K., Salom, C., Mann, D., Edmed, S., Morris, L., Lorimer, N., Stokes, H., Dignan, J. and Smith, S. (2022). Feasibility of assessing environmental factors in residential treatment settings: Preliminary associations between objective sleep and mental health outcomes. 33rd annual scientific meeting of Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) & Australian and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2022. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.169
2022
Conference Publication
O072 Episodes of drowsiness present during cognitively demanding tasks
Gnani Srinivasan, A., Mann, D., Smith, S., Gadam, S. and Shekari Soleimanloo, S. (2022). O072 Episodes of drowsiness present during cognitively demanding tasks. 33rd annual scientific meeting of Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) & Australian and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA), Brisbane, QLD Australia, 8-11 November 2022. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.071
2022
Conference Publication
Prevalence of poor sleep in First Nations peoples across the globe: A systematic review
Jabran, D., Potia, A., Smith, S., Solomon, S., Fernandez, D. and Fatima, Y. (2022). Prevalence of poor sleep in First Nations peoples across the globe: A systematic review. 33rd annual scientific meeting of Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) & Australian and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA) Sleep DownUnder 2022, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 8-11 November 2022. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.130
2022
Conference Publication
P058 The mediating effect of sleep on the relationship between precarious employment and mental health
Jaydarifard, S., Smith, S., Mann, D., Rossa, K., Huda, M., Nikooharf Salehi, E. and Shekari Soleimanloo, S. (2022). P058 The mediating effect of sleep on the relationship between precarious employment and mental health. 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of Australasian Sleep Association, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 8-11 November 2022. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.131
2022
Journal Article
Bright light alone or combined with caffeine improves sleepiness in chronically sleep-restricted young drivers
Soleimanloo, Shamsi Shekari, Garcia-Hansen, Veronica, White, Melanie J., Huda, M Mamun and Smith, Simon S. (2022). Bright light alone or combined with caffeine improves sleepiness in chronically sleep-restricted young drivers. Sleep Medicine, 93, 15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.013
2022
Journal Article
The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on subjective–objective sleep discrepancy in individuals with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial
Bensen-Boakes, Darah-Bree, Osman, Amal, Lack, Leon, Catcheside, Peter, Antic, Nick, Smith, Simon, Chai-Coetzer, Ching, O’Grady, Amanda, Dunn, Nicola, Robinson, Jan, McEvoy, Doug and Sweetman, Alexander (2022). The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on subjective–objective sleep discrepancy in individuals with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial. Applied Sciences, 12 (4) 1787, 1787. doi: 10.3390/app12041787
2022
Journal Article
Geographical variations in the association between bullying victimization and sleep loss among adolescents: a population-based study of 91 countries
Hasan, Md. Mehedi, Fatima, Yaqoot, Smith, Simon S., Tariqujjaman, Md., Jatrana, Santosh and Mamun, Abdullah A. (2022). Geographical variations in the association between bullying victimization and sleep loss among adolescents: a population-based study of 91 countries. Sleep Medicine, 90, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.12.014
2022
Journal Article
Children's sleep and fathers' health and wellbeing: a systematic review
Coles, Laetitia, Thorpe, Karen, Smith, Simon, Hewitt, Belinda, Ruppanner, Leah, Bayliss, Olivia, O'Flaherty, Martin and Staton, Sally (2022). Children's sleep and fathers' health and wellbeing: a systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 61 101570, 101570. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101570
2022
Other Outputs
Literature review on quality standards and accreditation schemes for national human research ethics committees (Report prepared for the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care)
Johnstone, Melissa, Thomas, Natalie, Salom, Caroline, Boyle, Fran and Smith, Simon (2022). Literature review on quality standards and accreditation schemes for national human research ethics committees (Report prepared for the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care). Brisbane, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2021
Other Outputs
Sharper Minds 2021 Pilot Report
Dingle, G.A., Hodges, J., Hides, L., McKimmie, B., Gomersall, S., Beckman, E., Birch, S., Smith, S., Zurynski, Y., Maccallum, F., Bentley, S., Wright, O., Walter, Z. and Alhadad, S. (2021). Sharper Minds 2021 Pilot Report.
2021
Journal Article
Bi-directional relationships between co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA)
Sweetman, Alexander, Lack, Leon, McEvoy, R Doug, Smith, Simon, Eckert, Danny J., Osman, Amal, Carberry, Jayne C., Wallace, Douglas, Nguyen, Phuc D. and Catcheside, Peter (2021). Bi-directional relationships between co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA). Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60 101519, 101519. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101519
2021
Conference Publication
Measuring sleep-wake activity and bedroom environment in a residential treatment setting: acceptability and feasibility of using actigraphy and environmental data loggers and links with recovery outcomes
Rossa, Kalina, Salom, Caroline, Edmed, Shannon, Lorimer, Nadine, Pattinson, Cassandra and Smith, Simon (2021). Measuring sleep-wake activity and bedroom environment in a residential treatment setting: acceptability and feasibility of using actigraphy and environmental data loggers and links with recovery outcomes. APSAD Scientific Conference 2021, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 7-10 November 2021.
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
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
-
Master Philosophy
The impact of digital technology use on sleep and wellbeing in young children
Principal Advisor
-
Master Philosophy
The impact of digital technology use on sleep and wellbeing in young children
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep, Health, and Social Consequences of Precarious Employment.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
Master Philosophy
The 24 hour movement behaviours and the impact on children's developmental outcomes
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, Dr Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving sleep health in young adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Pattinson, Dr Kalina Rossa
-
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 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, cognition and cerebrovascular functioning across the lifespan
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Dr Jenna Taylor
-
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
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
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, 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
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
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: