One Eye Open

Reflections on Embedding Lived Experience in Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Mood Disorder Research

Bibliographic Data

ID19508483
AuthorsSamuel J Hockey (0000-0001-8930-6409, University of Technology Sydney, corresponding author), Sarah McKenna (0000-0002-2164-1515, University of Technology Sydney), Alexander Hill (0009-0008-2307-2097, University of Technology Sydney), Andrew Shim (0000-0001-5398-6983, University of Technology Sydney), Andrew W Shim (0009-0003-9985-0901, Youth Mental Health & Technology Team, The Brain and Mind Centre The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia), Annabel Ramsay (0009-0003-7716-1312, University of Technology Sydney), Nayonika D Bhattacharya (0009-0006-5792-6068, Youth Mental Health & Technology Team, The Brain and Mind Centre The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia), Nayonika Bhattacharya (University of Technology Sydney), Tara Lindsay‐Smith (0009-0001-4866-811X, University of Technology Sydney), Nathan Bradshaw (0009-0008-3362-7981, University of Technology Sydney), Elie Jeon (0009-0006-0872-9930, University of Technology Sydney), Yun Ju Christine Song (0000-0001-8776-6305, University of Technology Sydney), Jacob Crouse (0000-0002-3805-2936, University of Technology Sydney), Ian B Hickie (0000-0001-8832-9895, University of Technology Sydney)
Year2026
Volume29
Issue2
Pagese70614-e70614
Publication date2026-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.70614
PMID41801764
OpenAlexW7134229127
LanguageEN
References cited6

BACKGROUND: The integration of lived experience within mental health research remains inconsistent, with many models positioning lived experience in advisory rather than embedded roles. This can limit meaningful engagement and reduce the relevance and translational impact of research. APPROACH: Drawing on an ongoing five-year Welcome Trust-funded programme investigating sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in youth-onset mood disorders, this viewpoint reflects the development and function of a Lived Experience Working Group embedded within the Brain and Mind Centre's Youth Mental Health & Technology Team. Using this programme as a case study, we examine how co-production is implemented across research design, governance, interpretation of findings, and knowledge dissemination. KEY INSIGHTS: We outline how co-production is actioned and refined across the lifecycle of a complex research programme. We highlight lived experience contributions alongside relational and structural tensions, and practical challenges relating to inclusion, power-sharing, scalability, and translation. CONCLUSION: Embedding lived experience as a core form of expertise requires intentional governance structures, reflexive practices, and sustained institutional investment. This article offers practical and reflective guidance for researchers seeking to meaningfully integrate lived experience within youth mental health research

Lived experience · Mental health · Mood · Reflexivity · Relevance (law) · Situated · Temporality · Translational research · Health Policy Implementation Science · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Participatory Visual Research Methods

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