Shedding light on sleep science
2 June 2026
Oxford professor's visit includes lectures for clinicians, students and the public, a trip to Sāmoa, and supporting local researchers' projects.
Research into sleep and teen mental health in Sāmoa and Aotearoa New Zealand has been boosted by a visit from Professor Russell Foster of the University of Oxford.
Russell is a leading circadian neuroscientist and his month-long visit was supported by the University of Auckland Foundation’s Hood Fellowship.
The fellowship was applied for by Dr Nicola Ludin, who is a chronobiology scientist in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
“The main project we have been working on is a Pacific project, which is all about SCRD, [an abbreviation] that Russell came up with for sleep and circadian rhythm disruption, in youth mental health,” says Nicola.
“We can use sleep solutions for the treatment and prevention of things like depression and anxiety.”
To conclude the Oxford professor’s Auckland visit, the University’s chronobiology team held a celebration lunch in early May, which was also attended by Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey.
We can use sleep solutions for the treatment and prevention of things like depression and anxiety.
Research shows sleep problems are overwhelmingly associated with poor teen mental health, says Nicola, and improving sleep can be part of the solution.
Sleep problems are common and biologically influenced, but sleep is modifiable, and even small behaviour changes can make a meaningful difference to well-being.
“Education and the clever use of technology can make a real difference to teenagers’ sleep quality and get better outcomes for depression and anxiety.”
Associate Professor Guy Warman and Nicola, members of the University’s chronobiology research group, travelled to Sāmoa with Russell to meet government and academic leaders.
Members of a TVNZ crew also joined the trip, filming for part of a wider documentary on sleep and circadian rhythms. The research group features prominently in the documentary, which is expected to air in August.
“One of the key priorities in Sāmoa is lifting numeracy and literacy for young people,” says Nicola. “We talked a lot about how sleep can play an important role in that.”
Nicola co-leads the project with Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, the Centre for Pacific and Global Health. They are seeking funding for a youth mental health survey in Sāmoa to complement an adult survey and get an idea of the current prevalence of issues.
During his visit, Russell gave a public lecture at the National University of Sāmoa. In New Zealand, he delivered a public lecture at the Grafton Campus, hosted a schools outreach day, gave lectures to clinicians and students, and worked with Nicola on her research and potential collaborations to fund the Sāmoan research.
A highlight of the visit was a daylong symposium at Old Government House for the University-based chronobiology research group, which brings together a diverse range of scientists from different disciplines and institutions.
Russell says he was impressed by both the quality and breadth of chronobiology research at the University.
“Led by Associate Professor Guy Warman and Dr James Cheeseman, the group is collaborating on diverse and multifaceted projects that bring together scientists from different institutes and departments.”
- Jodi Yeats
TIPS FOR TEEN SLEEP
• Keep a regular wake-up time every day, including weekends, to reduce ‘social jet lag’ and help stabilise the body clock.
• Get outside into natural light as early as possible in the morning, as morning light is the strongest signal for resetting the circadian system.
• Aim to keep weekends similar to weekdays, rather than sleeping very late, which can delay the body clock and make Monday mornings harder.
• Create a consistent wind-down routine before bed to help the brain transition from alertness to sleep.
• Use the bedroom mainly for sleep, rather than for studying, gaming or scrolling, to help the brain associate the space with resting.
• Gradually bring bedtime earlier in small steps, rather than making sudden, unrealistic changes.
• Avoid naps, if possible, especially late in the day, as they can reduce sleep pressure at night.
• Sleep in the dark and minimise light exposure at night.
• Use sleep education or evidence-based tools such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, including digital or app-based options, which have been shown to improve sleep and mental health.
• Remember that better sleep supports mood, learning, memory, exam performance and sports performance, and poor sleep can reinforce anxiety and negative thinking.
• Take a whole-whānau approach where possible, with families supporting regular routines and sleep-friendly environments.
This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of UniNews.