Theme: Comborbidity

Project Description

Sleep and circadian rhythm problems are common in both depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and play an important role in the onset, persistence and recurrence of these conditions. However, little is known about how sleep and circadian rhythms are affected when depression and CVD occur together. This is an important gap, as people living with both conditions experience substantial health and quality-of-life challenges.

This PhD will investigate sleep and circadian rhythms in people with comorbid depression and CVD, with the aim to improve their health and quality of life through targeted sleep and circadian interventions.
The project will involve three complementary work packages. First, the student will conduct a systematic review to understand the prevalence and range of sleep and circadian rhythm problems in people with comorbid depression and CVD.

Second, the student will analyse data from two large population-based studies to investigate whether sleep and circadian functioning differ between people with depression who do and do not have CVD. These datasets will provide opportunities to explore whether sleep and circadian profiles vary according to age and other relevant characteristics.

Third, the student will work with people with lived experience of comorbid depression and CVD, as well as clinical and research experts, to co-design a targeted sleep and circadian intervention. Through focus groups and co-design activities, the student will explore the challenges people experience, potential barriers and facilitators to improving sleep and circadian rhythms, and preferences for intervention approaches.

This interdisciplinary PhD offers an exciting opportunity to develop expertise in sleep and circadian science, mental health, cardiovascular health, population health research, data analysis and co-designed intervention development. The project will provide the foundations for future testing of the intervention and equip the successful candidate with a broad range of research skills relevant to academic, clinical and applied research careers.