Flinders University
Research Field: Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Dr Nicole Lovato’s research is focused on sleep, the ‘body clock’ and the psychology that impact on the quality of sleep, daytime functioning and overall health and wellbeing. Her research aims to prevent sleep disorders, such as insomnia and associated mental health problems including suicide in adolescence.
Uniquely, her studies acquire and apply knowledge across the lifespan from adolescence to older adulthood in order to improve the effectiveness of therapies used to treat sleep disorders, and to enhance the health, safety and welfare of a range of groups including adolescents, shift workers and individuals suffering from sleep disorders.
Dr Lovato recently received the Flinders University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Early Career Research Excellence. Her work has appeared on the ABC, BBC, Triple J radio, Marie Claire and Today Tonight. She also regularly contributes to The Conversation, NAP Now and the Australasian Sleep Association.
Dr Lovato is currently a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Sleep Health Services, the Repatriation General Hospital.