Te Hereripine Paine

Doctor of Philosophy, (Public Health)
Study Completed: 2007
College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
Towards a Balanced and Ethically Responsible Approach to Understanding Differences in Sleep Timing

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Dr Paine’s research focussed on whether differences in sleep timing are related to differences in the circadian biological clock or driven by societal demands, such as work patterns and family commitments. It found that morning-type people slept earlier and had an earlier biological clock, compared to evening types. Both groups used the weekend to catch up on their sleep, although this practice was more evident for evening types. There is increasing scientific interest in the genetic basis of sleep timing, and this research provides good evidence to support this work. However little consideration has been given to the ethical implications of this type of work. Using a kaupapa Maori framework, Dr Paine also investigated Maori hopes and concerns for genetic research in Aotearoa/New Zealand. She found that the Maori community affirm research that advances health and wellbeing, as defined by Maori. However the issues raised in this study are complex, and ultimately about Maori indigenous rights and sovereignty in research.

Supervisors
Professor Philippa Gander