S2 E9 | From Wired to Rested: A Compassionate Guide to Better Sleep
You’ve tried early nights. You’ve cut out screens before bed, swapped coffee for herbal tea, maybe even bought a new pillow. But sleep still doesn’t feel restorative. Or perhaps you fall asleep easily but wake in the early hours, mind racing, unable to settle again.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Sleep difficulties have become increasingly common. In a world full of stimulation, stress, and unpredictable routines, many people are finding it harder to switch off and recover properly at night.
That is exactly what we explore in this week’s podcast episode with Jean O’Hanlon, a sleep therapist who brings both professional insight and personal experience. Jean shares her own journey through sleep paralysis and disrupted rest, and how it led her to open her own sleep clinic.
Together, we talk about why the usual advice on sleep hygiene is often not enough, and what it really takes to restore rhythm and rest.
Listen to the episode
Sleep, Mindfulness & The Body Clock: A Personal Guide to Restoring Rest
When Sleep Isn’t Simple: Healing Your Rhythm with Mindfulness and Care
In both the podcast, we explore the idea that sleep is not just about habits, but about what your nervous system, hormones, and lifestyle are trying to tell you.
Modern life often pushes us to keep going, to prioritise productivity over recovery. But true rest does not come from willpower. It comes from regulation, rhythm, and reconnection.
What we cover in the podcast:
Jean’s experience with sleep paralysis and how it shaped her work
The limits of standard sleep hygiene advice
The role of stress, anxiety, and overthinking in poor sleep
Why emotional safety and social connection support better rest
How fasting, caffeine, and sugar can impact the circadian rhythm
The value of mindfulness, breathwork, and nervous system support
Practical ideas for improving sleep without adding more pressure
“Sleep is not just a function of the brain. It is shaped by the nervous system, by emotion, and by your relationship with rest.” - Jean O’Hanlon
You are not broken. You may just be out of rhythm.
Whether your sleep is light, broken, or simply unrefreshing, there are ways to support your body and mind back into balance. Often, that begins with curiosity, compassion, and small adjustments that fit your life.
This episode offers a gentle, practical way to reconnect with rest and energy.
