The University of Western Australia has partnered with mental health software platform iYARN to develop and integrate a digital tool to help people studying sleep science to better understand the subject.

The Sleep Journal was developed by UWA graduates Lockie Cooke and Chris Lawrence, who co-founded iYarn, and will be used by students studying the Waking Up to Sleep unit, led by Dr Jen Walsh, director of UWA’s Centre for Sleep Science.

The tool allows students to digitally monitor their sleep patterns and quality, energy levels and stimulant use while providing valuable insights into their daily routines.

The initiative is an advancement in student learning and the data collected enhances personal reflection and academic research into the science of sleep.

Dr Walsh said the partnership with the iYARN team had been invaluable in bringing the Sleep Journal to UWA students.

“This digital solution is a game-changer, allowing students to actively engage with their own sleep data in a way that has never been done before in Australia,” Dr Walsh said.

“About 2500 nights of data have been collected already and we can see that the students are going to bed after midnight and are getting less than seven and a half hours sleep on average.

“By integrating real-world, student-driven sleep data into our learning framework, we are providing an enriched educational experience that will not only benefit our students but also set a precedent for other universities around the country.”

The graduates spent years developing the tool for personal reflection and wellbeing tracking and are proud to be able enhance the student experience.

“It’s an honour to return to UWA and collaborate on a project that will empower students to better understand their sleep habits,” Mr Cooke said.

“Sleep plays a crucial role in mental and physical health, and we are excited to see how this journal can positively impact students’ wellbeing and academic performance.”

The Sleep Journal will be fully integrated into the Waking Up to Sleep course, where students will log their sleep data daily for 14 days, twice across the academic semester.

The platform’s analytics will provide aggregated insights, helping both students and educators explore trends in sleep habits and wellbeing.

The Sleep Journal was officially launched in February 2025, coinciding with the rollout of the new Waking Up to Sleep unit at UWA.