Kerri Melehan

Kerri Melehan is a Senior Lecturer (Education Focused) at the Sydney Medical School within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. She is also a member of the Charles Perkins Centre. Dr. Melehan is an Accredited Clinical Physiologist (Sleep) with over 25 years of experience in sleep science, working across major teaching hospitals, private practice, education, and research.

Dr. Melehan completed her PhD in sleep in 2014 and has been teaching sleep medicine at the University of Sydney since 2015 while continuing clinical work as a sleep scientist at Royal Prince Alfred hospital in Sydney. She is an author on the Australasian commentary on the sleep scoring guidelines, was previous president of the Australia New Zealand Sleep Science Association, and is a member of the taskforce setting up the Certification in Sleep Science exam.

Dr. Melehan's research spans a wide range of sleep-related topics with particular focus on:

• Sleep issues specific to women
• Sexual function impacts of sleep apnoea in both men and women
• Sleep in intensive care units
• Timing of exercise effects on sleep
• Efficacy of catch-up sleep
• REM sleep behaviour disorder
• Sleep scoring methodologies

Her extensive publication record shows a strong focus on obstructive sleep apnea, particularly regarding diagnostic methods, treatment effects, and special populations including pregnant women and those with cardiovascular conditions. Recent work has emphasized validation of home sleep testing devices, sleep in special populations, and the relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Melehan has received recognition for her contributions to the field:

• 2021 - ANZSSA Presidents award for outstanding contribution to ANZSSA

While specific details about her current students aren't provided in the available information, her role as Senior Lecturer suggests active involvement in teaching and potentially supervising students in sleep medicine. She has been involved in research grants including a 2022 pilot study to characterize sleep disturbances in those receiving steroids for multiple myeloma treatment.

As an active member of the Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. Melehan contributes to interdisciplinary research addressing major health challenges. Her dual role as both educator and clinical sleep scientist provides a strong practical foundation for her teaching and research activities in sleep medicine.