Leigh Signal

Professor Leigh Signal is a Professor of Fatigue Management and Sleep Health at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre within the School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Massey University, Wellington. She also serves as the Associate Dean of Research for the College of Health, contributing to both basic and applied sleep and circadian research, postgraduate supervision, and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Aviation from Massey University (1995)
• Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University (1990)
• Master of Arts from Massey University (1997)
• Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Otago (2002)

Leigh Signal's research spans two main streams. The first stream focuses on identifying, managing, and mitigating fatigue in high-risk industries, where she collaborates with aircraft manufacturers, national and international companies, and regulators. She has conducted studies onboard aircraft and in laboratories and provides expert advice to organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The second stream examines sleep health across the lifespan, with particular attention to women, adolescents, and children, including the perinatal period and the relationship between sleep and mental health. Her work also investigates health inequities in sleep patterns driven by sociodemographic factors.

Professor Signal is actively involved in postgraduate supervision and regularly consults with industry and regulatory agencies. She frequently provides expert evidence on the role of fatigue in workplace incidents and accidents. Her research is applied in real-world settings to enhance safety and health outcomes.

Based at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre, she works within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing sleep science and improving public health through evidence-based interventions.