TGD 110: Sleep: Sleep Disorders and Problems | Dr Carmel Harrington | Part 1

Sleep disorders and problems are pervasive in modern society. At The Good Doctors, sleep is fundamental to our holistic view of health. We believe that sleep is the most important part of your day. What is enough sleep? And what is a lack of sleep doing to you? Tune in as we speak to sleep expert Dr Carmel Harrington about sleep disorders and problems and what you can do about it.

About Dr Carmel Harrington

Dr Carmel Harrington has been working in the world of sleep for nearly 20 years. A former lawyer and educator she has a Ph.D. in Sleep Medicine from Sydney University and consults with companies and educational institutions both here and overseas on sleep health.

An internationally recognised sleep expert, Dr Harrington is amazed at the seemingly little importance given to sleep. Research shows that sleep is critical to our physical and mental health and is fundamental to our ability to think and learn. Emerging research clearly shows that sleeping well is a key component to optimal performance and health and if we want to be at the top of our game we need to ensure we get the best sleep possible.

Dr Harrington is the Managing Director of Sleep for Health and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Children's Hospital Westmead. She is a founding member of the Sleep Health Foundation and a member of the Australasian Sleep Association. She has written two books "The Sleep Diet"  and "The complete guide to a good night's sleep".

Show notes

0.57 Introduction to Sleep Series - why is it important and what are the consequences of not sleeping well.

2.24 Guest Introduction - Dr Carmel Harrington. You can learn more about Dr Carmel Harrington from her website.

3.00 Dr Carmel Harrington joins the show. You can purchase her book 'The Complete Guide to a Good Night's' here.

3.25 Why is sleep so important?

4.50 Sleep and depression. Poor sleep can make you 12x more likely to suffer from mental illness.

7.30 Surgical admissions and mortality rates throughout the week

8.30 How much sleep is enough sleep?

10.30 Obesity and sleep

13.20 Dr Carmel Harrington's top recommendations for a better night sleep

16.30 The Good Doctors debrief

20.40 Sleep and cancer survival rates

20.50 The importance of preparing for sleep