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Dr Karyn O'Keeffe staff profile picture

Contact details +6449793260

Dr Karyn O'Keeffe PhD

Senior Lecturer

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Health Sciences

Dr Karyn O’Keeffe began her career in sleep research and medicine as a Clinical Physiologist at WellSleep, Sleep Investigation Centre, University of Otago Wellington, where she worked for 10 years and gained first-hand experience of shift work.  She began to transition to the Sleep/Wake Research Centre in 2006 and has been based there full-time since 2012.

Karyn has been involved in both basic and applied sleep and circadian research, investigating sleep at moderate altitude, treatment provision and adherence for sleep disorders in Aotearoa, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea and narcolepsy, the interaction between ventilatory and cardiac timing during sleep, and fatigue risk management for various industry groups.  Her current work primarily focuses on the management of shift work and fatigue in health care settings, most recently nursing ().  She is currently the primary investigator on projects including The process of shift allocation in workplace fatigue for acute care nurses and Fatigue risk management in healthcare: next steps.  Karyn is a primary and co-supervisor for Master's and PhD Candidates who are exploring experiences of and contributors to sleep health in Aotearoa and innovative ways of improving sleep health.

Karyn works with government and industry groups to provide expert advice on sleep, shift work, and fatigue management. These groups have included health and safety and transport regulators, and healthcare, aviation, maritime, transport, and energy organisations.  She also designs and delivers training for a wide range of organisations that need to (a) build their knowledge on fatigue science and fatigue risk management and/or (b) support workers to understand fatigue risks and their role in managing them.

Karyn leads Massey University's suite of courses on sleep and circadian science.  She is the Course Coordinator for two undergraduate courses, two postgraduate courses, and delivers professional development courses, workshops and seminars.

Dr Karyn O’Keeffe is a Senior Lecturer at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences.  She is a sleep physiologist with considerable clinical experience in monitoring sleep and managing sleep disorders.  Karyn has broad research interests but is particularly passionate about (a) exploring the impacts of shift work, and improving the management of the risks associated with shift work and fatigue for health workers, and (b) improving sleep health in the general population.

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Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 04 979 3260
    Location: 3C18f, Block 3, Level C
    Campus: Wellington

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Otago (2012)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, 黑料网

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Karyn’s current work is focused on:

  • Experiences of shift work and workplace fatigue, particularly in healthcare settings.
  • Managing shift work and workplace fatigue in a wide range of workplace settings. 
  • Exploring experiences of sleep in Aotearoa and how sleep health can be improved for different groups.
  • The relationships between sleep and performance and health outcomes.

Research Opportunities

  • Experiences of shift work for healthcare workers in Aotearoa New Zealand  (01/01/2025) These projects encompass a suite of research work that aims to explore experiences of shift work for a wide range of healthcare workers, including those that are often overlooked in research.
  • Exploring the impact of shift work on life outside work  (01/01/2025) This project may use qualitative or mixed method approaches to explore how shift work impacts life outside work (include home life, relationships and other commitments).
  • Who are the short sleepers?  (01/01/2025) An opportunity is available for an Honours or Master's student to analyse data from a large New Zealand survey that looked at the factors driving people to sleep 7 hours or less on a regular basis.

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (111705): Medical And Health Sciences (110000): Medical Physiology (111600): Neurosciences (110900): Other Medical and Health Sciences (119900): Public Health and Health Services (111700)

Keywords

sleep, circadian, sleep health, shift work, workplace fatigue, fatigue risk management, fatigue risk management systems, occupational health and safety, healthcare, sleep disorders

Research Projects

Completed Projects

Project Title: Implementing a Science-based Approach for Fatigue Risk Management in Nursing

Date Range: 2016 - 2019

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

  • Prof Philippa Gander - Project Leader
  • Prof Annette Huntington - Team Member
  • Dr Karyn O'Keeffe - Team Member

Research Outputs

Journal

Gander, P., O'Keeffe, K., Santos-Fernandez, E., Huntington, A., Walker, L., & Willis, J. (2020). Development and evaluation of a matrix for assessing fatigue-related risk, derived from a national survey of nurses' work patterns. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 112
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Gander, P., O'Keeffe, K., Santos-Fernandez, E., Huntington, A., Walker, L., & Willis, J. (2019). Fatigue and nurses’ work patterns: An online questionnaire survey. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 98, 67-74
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Ali, A., Starck, C., Wham, C., Wolber, F., Dickens, M., Thunders, M., . . . Rutherfurd-Markwick, K. (2018). The highs and lows of caffeine intake in New Zealand children. Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research. 8(3), 86-98 Retrieved from https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/caff.2017.0035
[Journal article]Authored by: Ali, A., Dickens, M., O'Keeffe, K.
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Zaslona, JL., O’Keeffe, KM., Signal, TL., & Gander, PH. (2018). Shared responsibility for managing fatigue: Hearing the pilots. PLoS ONE. 13(5)
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
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O'Keeffe, K. (2016). Sleep loss linked to mood disorders.. Nurs N Z. 22(8), 33
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Bakker, JP., O'Keeffe, KM., Neill, AM., & Campbell, AJ. (2014). Continuous positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: M膩ori, Pacific and New Zealand European experiences. Journal of Primary Health Care. 6(3), 221-228
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Bakker, JP., O'Keeffe, KM., Neill, AM., & Campbell, AJ. (2011). Ethnic disparities in CPAP adherence in New Zealand: Effects of socioeconomic status, health literacy and self-efficacy. Sleep. 34(11), 1595-1603
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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O'Keeffe, KM., Gander, PH., Scott, WG., & Scott, HM. (2012). Insomnia treatment in New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal. , 46-59
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Scott, GW., Scott, HM., O'Keeffe, KM., & Gander, PH. (2011). Insomnia - treatment pathways, costs and quality of life. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation. 9
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Campbell, AJ., Leigh Signal, T., O'Keeffe, KM., & Bakker, JP. (2011). Narcolepsy in new zealand: Pathway to diagnosis and effect on quality of life. New Zealand Medical Journal. 124(1336)
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
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Fleming, JS., Gibson, R., Harris, B., Morgan, S., Noble, A., O'Keeffe, K., . . . Gander, P. (2011). The 'waking incubator': Exploring the interface between the performing arts and the science of sleep. International Journal of Science in Society. 2(3), 291-308 Retrieved from http://ijy.cgpublisher.com/product/pub.187/prod.144
[Journal article]Authored by: Gibson, R., O'Keeffe, K.
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Muhm, JM., Signal, TL., Rock, PB., Jones, SP., O'Keeffe, KM., Weaver, MR., . . . Belenky, G. (2009). Sleep at simulated 2438 m: Effects on oxygenation, sleep quality, and postsleep performance. Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine. 80(8), 691-697
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
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O'Keeffe, KM., Galletly, DC., Miller, JH., & Larsen, PD. (2005). Quantal breathing frequency variation in halothane anaesthetised neonatal rats. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology. 146(2-3), 147-153
[Journal article]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Creative Work

Morgan, S., O'Keeffe, K., & Pierce, R. (2010) Expo the Waking Incubator. [Exhibition] Minas Gerais, Brazil
[Artwork]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.

Report

van den Berg, M., O'Keeffe, K., & Signal, TL. (2021). Expert scientific review & comment on the proposed shift pattern change at Wellington Free Ambulance. Sleep/Wake Research Centre.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T., van den Berg, M.
O'Keeffe, KM., & Gander, PH.(2012). Best practice rostering, shift work and hours of work: A review. Wellington, New Zealand: Sleep/Wake Research Centre, 黑料网
[Technical Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
O'Keeffe, KM., Gander, PH., Guy Scott, W., & Scott, HM.(2012). Insomnia treatment in New Zealand.
[Technical Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Jay, SM., Signal, TL., O'Keeffe, KM., & Gander, PH.(2010). The effects of mild hypobaric hypoxia on oxygen saturation during sleep: An investigation of the physiologic mechanisms and significance. Wellington, New Zealand: Sleep/Wake Research Centre
[Technical Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Signal, TL., Gander, PH., Van den Berg, MJ., & O'Keeffe, KM.(2007). Time course and magnitude of sleep inertia: Interim progress report. Wellington: 黑料网 SWRC
[Technical Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T., van den Berg, M.

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Signal, TL., O'Keeffe, KM., Gander, PH., & Van den Berg, MJ.(2007). Investigation to determine the effects of mild hypobaric hypoxia on sleep and post-sleep neurobehavioural performance: Report on sleep and oximetry data. Wellington, New Zealand: Sleep/Wake Research Centre
[Technical Report]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T., van den Berg, M.

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Conference

O'Keeffe, V., O'Keeffe, K., & Gander, P. (2021, May). Nurses' preference for flexibility vs predictability in shift work. Presented at Sleep in Aotearoa: Annual Scientific meeting of the New Zealand Branch of the Australasian Sleep Association and Australia and New Zealand Sleep Scientists Association. Online.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
O'Keeffe, K., Gander, P., Santos-Fernandez, E., Huntington, A., Walker, L., & Willis, J. (2021, May). Fatigue and nurses’ work patterns: Findings from the Safer Nursing 24/7 project. Presented at Sleep in Aotearoa: Annual Scientific meeting of the New Zealand Branch of the Australasian Sleep Association and Australia and New Zealand Sleep Scientists Association. Online.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Zaslona, JL., O'Keeffe, KM., Signal, TL., & Gander, PH. (2016). Pilots' self-reported fatigue management on long-range and ultra-long-range routes. In SLEEP: Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research Vol. 39 (pp. A71 - A71). , 30th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies: Associated Professional Sleep Societies
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
Zaslona, JL., O'Keeffe, KM., Signal, TL., & Gander, PH. (2015). Pilots' perspectives on in-flight sleep facilities: A retrospective study of data from four airlines. In SLEEP: Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research Vol. Abstract Supplement (pp. A128 - A128). , 29th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC: American Academy of Sleep Medicine
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
Bakker, JP., O'Keeffe, KM., Neill, A., & Campbell, AJ. (2014). Thematic analysis of barriers to continuous positive airway pressure adherence amongst ethnic groups in New Zealand. In American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol. 189 , American Thoracic Society 2014 International Conference: American Thoracic Society
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.

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Scott, HM., Scott, WG., O'Keeffe, K., & Gander, P. (2012, July). Insomnia treatment: Evaluating the health practitioners, patients' pathways, treatment costs and quality of life. Presented at 9th European Conference on Health Economics [ECHE 2012] Progress in Health Economics. Zurich, Switzerland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Bakker, JP., O'Keeffe, KM., Neill, A., & Campbell, A.(2011, June 11). Ethnic disparities in CPAP compliance in New Zealand: Effects of socioeconomic deprivation, health literacy and self-efficacy. In Sleep Vol. Abstract Supplement (pp. A137). , 25th Annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS)
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
O'Keeffe, KM., Larsen, PD., & Galletly, DC. (2010). Cardioventilatory coupling during sleep: Association with age and gender. In Sleep and Biological Rhythms Vol. Suppl 1 (pp. A64). , 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Association and Australasian Sleep Technologissts Association
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Scott, HM., Scott, WG., Gander, PH., & O'Keeffe, KM.(2009, July 12). Pathways and treatment of insomnia: Developing a health economic costing model for New Zealand.. , 7th iHEA Congress on Health Economics
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
O'Keeffe, KM., Gander, PH., Scott, WG., & Scott, HM. (2008). Comparison of insomnia treatment providers in New Zealand. In Sleep and Biological Rhythms Vol. Suppl 1 (pp. A34). , 20th ASM of Australasian Sleep Association and Australasian Sleep Technologists Association.
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Muhm, M., Signal, TL., Rock, P., Jones, S., O'Keeffe, KM., Weaver, M., . . . Belenky, G. (2008). Sleep and oxygen saturation at 8000 feet. In Sleep and Biological Rhythms Vol. Suppl 1 (pp. A17 - A18). , The 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Technologists Association: Wiley-Blackwell
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
O'Keeffe, KM., Galletly, DC., Campbell, AJ., & Larsen, PD. (2007). Repeatability of cardioventilatory coupling during sleep in human adults. In Sleep and Biological Rhythms Vol. Suppl 1 (pp. A84). , WorldSleep07: 5th World Congress of the World Federation of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine Societies
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Campbell, A., Signal, TL., & O'Keeffe, KM. (2006). Narcolepsy in New Zealand. In Sleep and Biological Rhythms Vol. Suppl 1 (pp. A22). , 19th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Association and the Australasian Sleep Technologists Association
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.

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Thesis

Zaslona, JL. (2017). In-flight sleep as a pilot fatigue mitigation on long range and ultra-long range flights. (Doctoral Thesis, 黑料网, New Zealand) Zaslona, JL. (2017). In-flight sleep as a pilot fatigue mitigation on long range and ultra-long range flights. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Edited by: O'Keeffe, K., Signal, T.
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O'Keeffe, KM. (2012). Interaction between cardiac and ventilatory timing during sleep. (Doctoral Thesis, University of Otago, New Zealand) O'Keeffe, KM. (2012). Interaction between cardiac and ventilatory timing during sleep. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
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Other

Scott, HM., Scott, WG., O'Keeffe, KM., & Gander, PH. (2010, August). Insomnia treatment: Evaluating the health practitioners, pathways, treatment costs and quality of life. In Wellington Health and Biomedical Research Society Poster Meeting, 黑料网. Presented at Wellington, New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: O'Keeffe, K.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Karyn is committed to integrating sleep and circadian science into the curriculum for those studying health sciences and occupational health and safety.  She currently coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate courses on sleep and circadian science at 黑料网, and contributes as a guest lecturer to courses in public health, health sciences, nursing and medical technology.  She develops and delivers professional development for a broad range of industry groups.

Karyn currently coordinates the following 黑料网 courses

  • 252201 - Sleep, circadian rhythms and shift work
  • 252301 - Sleep, health and performance
  • 252701 - Sleep and circadian science for health practitioners
  • 252702 - Sleep, fatigue risk management and occupational health and safety
  • 250303 - Systems thinking and design for health
Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Co-supervisor 0 1

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2017 - Jennifer Zaslona - Doctor of Philosophy
    In-Flight Sleep as a Pilot Fatigue Mitigation on Long Range and Ultra-Long Range Flights

Media and Links

Media

  • 30 Sep 2018 - Online
    Interview with stuff.co.nz for article
    Title: Time鈥檚 up: Should we end daylight saving in New Zealand?
  • 27 Sep 2022 - Online
    Interview with Stuff.co.nz for article
    Title: Struggling with daylight saving time? You should be okay by the end of the week.
  • 25 Jan 2018 - Online
    Interview with the Spinoff for article
    Title: The Spinoff guide to getting some goddamn sleep this summer
  • 24 Jan 2018 - Radio
    Interview on Radio New Zealand
    Title: How to get sleep when it鈥檚 too darn hot
  • 23 Sep 2022 - Radio
    Radio interview with Today FM
    Topic: Daylight saving time
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  • 22 Jul 2019 - Online
    Interview with Health Central for article
    Title: Coping with nurse fatigue
  • 20 May 2018 - Online
    Interview with ScienceAlert for article
    Title: Can you actually die from a lack of sleep? Here鈥檚 what the science says
  • 15 Mar 2019 - Radio
    Interview on Radio New Zealand, 1-4pm
    Title: Sleeping well when daylight saving ends
  • 13 Jun 2022 - Radio
    Radio interview with Today FM
    Topic: Sleep health
  • 13 Jul 2020 - Online
    Interview with stuff.co.nz for article
    Title: Night Shift: The essential workers keeping New Zealand's lights on
  • 09 Dec 2016 - Online
    Interview with the New Zealand Herald for article
    Title: Beat the heat? Science has the solution
  • 04 Apr 2022 - Online
    Interview with The Spinoff for article
    Title: How do our breakfast broadcasters hack the horrific hours?
  • 03 Mar 2018 - Online
    Interview with New Zealand Herald for article
    Title: Sleep: Why鈥檚 it鈥檚 important鈥� and how to sleep better
  • 01 Oct 2019 - Magazine
    Wrote for Q&A section of Kia ora magazine
    Provided answers for Q&A section for Wellness section of Kia ora magazine (Air New Zealand)
  • 01 Apr 2022 - Online
    Interview with Stuff.co.nz for article
    Title: Daylight saving debate: Tepid enthusiasm to emulate US in permanent summer hours
  • 01 Apr 2017 - Online
    Interview with stuff.co.nz for media article
    Title: Five pieces of advice for coping with the end of daylight saving
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