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As a health practitioner, I never stop reading and learning. Every now and then, I need to dive into the research and see what's current. This week, I was reviewing insomnia, to see if I can apply any new knowledge to my clients. Lo and behold, we have a new systematic review and meta-analysis on CBTi , and (phew) it's a good one. Firstly, for those of us who don't have to read research for a living, I'll break down what systematic review and meta-analysis are. Why? Because k

I always feel that there is so much love and attention bestowed on breakfasts and dinners. Rightly so! But I do feel sorry for lunch. So...

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental well-being - of course we know that! But did you know that lack of sleep and the fallout from this can be worse for women? There's a few reasons (hello, parenthood), but many women struggle with sleep disturbances at various stages. One significant factor contributing to these issues is the fluctuation of sex hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, throughout the reproductive years. Today, I explore how the

When we think of sleep deprivation, we often associate it with feeling tired, cranky, or unable to focus during the day. However, sleep deprivation runs deeper than simply feeling groggy after a late night. The impacts on the mind and body can be significant, and the reasons behind poor sleep may not always be as straightforward as a stressful day or too much screen time before bed. Read on, as I dive into the lesser-known reasons for sleep deprivation and explore the wide-re

Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity in the last few years. Many will say that they fast for more energy and improved focus, but...

When was the last time you thought about your breakfast, as in REALLY thought about it? Has it become a bit routine? Are you the 'eat...

Being a parent is incredible. It's a hard thing to describe the pride of parenthood and the immense joy it can provide. However, there are some downsides and sleep is certainly one of them. For a myriad of reasons, a child's sleep may not be as easy as the storybooks make out. It is an area that can be remedied, and it's worth re-establishing some sleep boundaries if your household is lacking in this area. Not only is it good for a parent's mental health to have their child s

When it comes to children's nutrition, we as parents and carers often face the challenge of balancing convenience with the need for healthy meals. A child's brain is growing rapidly, and the food they consume plays a vital role in their cognitive development, behaviour, and academic performance. Fortunately, the key to nurturing brain development is not difficult, nor does it require exotic superfoods at huge cost! Simple, nutrient-dense foods that are easily accessible can p

We’ve all experienced those mid-afternoon slumps or moments where we feel too drained to get anything done. Often, our busy schedules and...

Image from https://drandrewneville.com/stages-of-adrenal-fatigue/ I've had a few clients lately describing 'burnout' and I thought that maybe it's time to talk about the Adrenal Glands. So many of us feel depleated, some of us for a very long time. Having energy to do the important things, or even being a little bit stressed is OK - it gets all the jobs finished. But being stressed all the time? This can lead to exhaustion. Adrenal fatigue is a modern health buzzword, yet it

Image: https://powo.science.kew.org/ Zizi for Fizzy Brain. This was how I learnt to remember this wonderful herb's primary function. What...

Do you find yourself lying awake at night, your mind racing with anxious thoughts? Maybe not just about all the things from your life, but actually anxious about sleep itself? You’re not alone. Sleep anxiety, when people become overly worried about their inability to sleep, can quickly spiral into chronic insomnia. This vicious cycle is not just frustrating but can also take a toll on your mental and physical health. Understanding the link between sleep anxiety and insomnia i

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While...

Brain fog, that frustrating feeling of mental cloudiness, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness, is something many people...

In an age where information is just a scroll or a click away, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the myriad of diets, supplements, and health advice available online. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should be eating, but how do you know what's truly right for you? Maybe you've already been down the road of someone's 'magic bullet' diet, supplement or exercise plan, only to find it fall short, leaving you frustrated. This is where the expertise of a Clinical Nutriti

Being a health practitioner, a lot of my posts are about things that go wrong. Of course, I also offer ways to help! But sometimes it's OK to focus on the positives. If you've been to my website, you'll know that my passion is sleep and mental health. I spend a lot of time with my clients focused on night-time. But what about the morning? Can you hack your morning routine to set your nights later on for success? YES! Maybe you're tired of starting your day on the wrong foot,

Balancing a busy schedule while trying to eat healthily can be challenging. However, with a little planning, you can eat delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. In fact, with these recipes, you won't even need much in the way of cooking skills! Here are 3 easy weeknight dinners that are perfect for anyone who wants to eat well, and not spend a fortune. 1. Turkey Burgers - serves 4 Harness of the power of turkey mince for thi

Sleep is a vital component of our overall health and well-being, yet many of us take it for granted until we encounter problems. Understanding the normal process of sleep can help us appreciate its importance and recognise when something might be wrong. This post explores the intricacies of sleep cycles, their functions, and explains what constitutes 'normal sleep', distinguishing it from conditions such as insomnia. If you suspect that your sleep patterns deviate from the no

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While much of the focus tends to be on the behavioural and cognitive aspects of ADHD, people often overlook a crucial issue - the impact of ADHD on sleep . Many people with ADHD experience significant sleep disturbances, which not only impacts their overall wellbeing (and sanity!) but can also exacerbate the sy

I choose to specialise in sleep, because I feel that so many of us struggle with it. In fact, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, aka the Australian Government) backs me up here too. In their 2021 report Sleep problems as a risk factor for chronic conditions , they show that nearly half (48%) of all Australian adults report at least 2 sleep-related problems (not enough sleep, too much sleep for age group, poor quality or sleep disorders like insomina or slee