The Sleep & Health Podcast

In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the intersection of neuroscience , nature , and human behavior with Martin O’Neill, lecturer at ATU Sligo, Neuroscientist and PhD supervisor whose research explores how natural environments shape our wellbeing, attention, mood, and decision-making. Together, we unpack how the brain’s reward systems respond to uncertainty, how modern environments disru...

In this deeply fascinating episode, I sit down with Martin McDonagh , a counsellor, therapist, author, and spiritual guide, to explore the profound journey of spiritual growth, emotional regulation and self-understanding. Together, we unpack what it means to live with purpose, embrace life’s transience, and find meaning in both pleasure and pain. Martin shares timeless insights drawn from his year...

The Sleep & Health Podcast – Episode 9: Building Your Personal Performance Plan with Eoin Lacey About the Episode In this episode, Tom speaks with Eoin Lacey , a leading performance coach and health strategist, about how to optimize performance by building a personal performance plan that works in the real world. Together, they explore the crucial role of recovery as the foundation for sustain...

In this incredible episode, I speak to Kadam Adam Starr — meditation teacher and practitioner of the Kadampa Buddhist Tradition. Kadam Adam is the principal teacher at Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre Dublin which is dedicated to teaching meditation and Buddhist practices in a way to make it accessible to people in everyday life. The teachings place an emphasis on mindful awareness, emotional wellbe...

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Crooke! The most well known and liked man in Wellbeing as a true thought leader in the field of Workplace Wellbeing. We covered so much in this episode: Workplace Wellness Today Why wellbeing initiatives often fall short when they’re treated as a “tick-the-box” exercise. The importance of embedding wellbeing into organizational culture rather than just offeri...

In this episode I sat down Dr Clare Corish. Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at UCD, with over 15 years of hands-on dietetic practice in Ireland, the UK, and Saudi Arabia. She spearheaded Ireland’s first professional graduate programme in clinical nutrition and dietetics and has an extensive track record in research, education, and clinical practice. We spoke about Nutrition for Shift...

In this episode, I sit down with Deirdre Culbert , a highly experienced humanistic and integrative psychotherapist, certified by both the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Deirdre brings over 20 years of experience in the multinational technology sector , giving her a unique perspective on the m...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with global consultant Alan O’Neill , founder of Kara , a leading expert in organizational change and high-performance culture. Alan brings decades of experience helping businesses navigate transformation while staying true to their core values. We dive into the "golden thread of culture" – that often invisible, but essential element that connects pur...

In this fascinating episode, I’m joined by Donncha Phelan , founder of Active Body Clinic and a leading specialist in Vagus Nerve Regulation . We explore the powerful role the vagus nerve plays in regulating stress, recovery, digestion, sleep, and emotional wellbeing — and why it's often the missing link in both physical and mental health. Donncha breaks down: What the vagus nerve actually is...

In this episode I speak with author, expert and menopause advocate Catherine O Keefe. Catherine is a trailblazer in breaking the silence around menopause and helping both individuals and organizations navigate this life stage with clarity and confidence. We talk about the real impact of menopause on energy, sleep, mood, and performance — and why this conversation matters just as much at home as it...

In this powerful first episode, we dive into how to hack your brain for better sleep , calm anxiety , and take back control in a world full of distractions. Whether you're battling busy thoughts at bedtime or looking for practical ways to boost mental clarity and rest — this one’s for you. 🧠💤 Mindset, sleep, performance — it’s all connected. And Keith breaks it down like never before. 🎧 Now str...

What we Drink In this week’s episode I delve into the world of coffee, tea, alcohol, energy drinks and look at how our choices can have powerful effects on our health. That can be very health protective or very destructive for our health and sleep.  What’s right for me? Do you have the "coffee gene"? Find out what your tolerances are. I help you develop the best strategy for you. As an a...

Snoring! Snoring can have a very powerful and negative effect on our sleep, our lives and our relationships! The most important part of the episodes is looking at prevention and treatment of snoring: Snoring Prevention 1.     Lifestyle changes To treat your snoring, your doctor likely will first recommend lifestyle changes, such as: ·        Losing weight -weight loss ·        Avoiding alcohol clo...

This one is simple - The Racing Mind -just lay back, relax and let go of the day. This episdoe is a very practical one, it is a meditation for those of you with a racing mind. You are the only one capable of changing that, of retraining that racing mind. No more description, only one instruction - listen to this every night for 6 weeks and your mind will be a much calmer, more peaceful and serene...

Episode 7 – Dreams Welcome to episode 7 of the Sleep & Health Podcast.  The brain is in a very active state when we are dreaming -the dream state is known as paradoxical sleep.  In today episode - 1.      Why we Dream? What is the function? 1.      Regulating our emotions. 2.      Rehearsal of threats -VR simulator Dreaming help process our everyday emotions and memories.  Dreaming happens in...

This weeks episode focuses on the foundation of sleep -the Physical Components. These are all controllable and very powerful. Please do not underestimate the impact these can have on sleep. This week we will   1.     Look at the poerful physical levers (the foundations ) that influence sleep. 2.     From that, creating a Road map and framework of the controllables.  When it comes to sleep there ar...

In this episode, the key focus is around cycles of sleeping and living! We talk about: o   How you can work with body/your physiology to get better quality sleep.  o   We’ll look at the  Your body clock – or CR & how we align that and work with the natural cycles of our brain and body. o   For eg. - What actually works when it comes to increasing deep sleep? In the second part of the episode w...

In this episode we look at the impact of scrolling on our sleep, our mental health and how we can implement effective strategies to get off the phones!  Introduction of the concept of dopamine and addiction and its role in keeping individuals glued to their devices. Focus on the impact of technology, specifically smartphones, on sleep, and other impacts as well -adults & children! Effective st...

This episode is dedicated to looking at the essential functions and processes that happen while you are sleeping. We look at the vital restorations, resetting and repairs that are happening in the brain and the body to keep you healthy and balanced and ready for the world!  The 11 Systems  All these systems repair, restore, balance and need regular sleep. Each system has a timer co-ordinated by yo...

Episode 2 -Sleep & Stress In this episode I look at the biggest disruptor of Sleep – Stress! This episode will help you realize that the same systems that manage stress, also manage sleep. People completely underestimate the impact of an overstimulated nervous system and how that can disrupt sleep. We must learn how to switch between our alerting system and relaxation system.   The Nervous Sys...

Episode 1 Notes.  The Layers of Sleep In the first episode, I delve into the many layers of sleep. This episode sets the scene and reframes how you view sleep. No matter how bad your sleep is, it can be improved.  What are the essential components for sleep? This episode looks at 4 of the most powerful chemicals that govern your ability to fall and stay asleep. I speak about periods of adaptive in...