Sleep4Performance Podcast

Dr Ian Dunican
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  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

With your host Dr Ian Dunican we dive into all things sleep and performance-related. We focus on the latest evidence-based research and practical applications.

  1. 07/31/2025

    Season 10 Episode 6 w Dr Spencer Roberts on sleep and mild traumatic brain injuries

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Spencer Roberts, a researcher at Deakin University, to dive deep into his recent paper: “A systematic review and meta-analysis of sleep following mild traumatic brain injury: A synthesis of the literature according to age and time since injury.” Together, we unpack the complexities of sleep disruption after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and what the latest science is telling us.   Episode Highlights – What We Discuss What the systematic review investigates and the range of populations it covers. Who is at risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the difficulties in identifying these individuals. What defines a mild traumatic brain injury and how mTBI is diagnosed. The role of instrumented mouthguards in improving concussion detection and data collection. The difference between objective and subjective sleep measures and why objective data is difficult to collect. Whether sleep is impacted by mTBI – the central question addressed in the review. How the data was categorised for the review. Key findings from the meta-analysis, and how the team handled the complexity of synthesising multiple studies. The challenges in identifying the cause of sleep disturbances post-mTBI and measuring them accurately. Reflections on the scientific process – the ups, downs, and unexpected joys of research. Major takeaways for researchers and clinicians, including opportunities for future work in concussion and sleep research.   This episode is a must for those with an interest in concussion, sleep, and recovery outcomes. Dr. Spencer Roberts is focused on characterising athletes' sleep behaviours, and examining the value of sleep for mitigating the risks and consequences of sport-related concussion.   Research Paper: A systematic review and meta-analysis of sleep following mild traumatic brain injury: A synthesis of the literature according to age and time-since-injury - PubMed Deakin Profile: Spencer Roberts Profile | Deakin University LinkedIn: Dr. Spencer Roberts

    53 min

  2. 05/09/2025

    Season 10 Episode 5 w Dr Samantha Bramich on REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder, sleep, dreams and brain health

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Samantha Bramich to delve into the science of sleep, dreams, and brain health. Samantha, originally from the New South Wales Central Coast and now based in Tasmania, brings a wealth of expertise in sleep medicine, psychological science, and neurodegenerative diseases. We unpack her recently published paper: “Dream Characteristics are Sex-Specific in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and Healthy Older Adults”, exploring how our dreams can reveal deeper insights into brain function and even early signs of disorders like Parkinson’s and dementia. In this episode, we discuss: How Samantha developed her passion for sleep science. The connection between REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), Parkinson’s Disease, and dementia. Key risk factors for neurodegenerative conditions, including shift work. The powerful role of exercise, diet, sleep, and even learning new skills in protecting brain health. What RBD is, how it differs from sleepwalking, and the early warning signs to look out for. Treatment options and preventative strategies. Gender differences in dreaming, especially in the context of RBD. Insights into memory consolidation, trauma, and how sleep processes emotional experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of sleep, neurology, and mental well-being. Whether you're a health professional or simply passionate about improving your brain health, Samantha’s insights offer practical knowledge and compelling research findings. Linked In: (26) Samantha Bramich | LinkedIn X: @SleepSamB Email: Samantha.bramich@utas.com.au University of Tasmania: Samantha Bramich | About | University of Tasmania Research Paper: P027 Dream characteristics are sex-specific in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and healthy older adults | SLEEP Advances | Oxford Academic

    53 min

  3. 04/08/2025

    Season 10 Episode 4 w Dr Kathleen Reinhardt on the similarities between human and primate sleep behaviours

    In this episode, I chat with Dr Kathleen Reinhardt regarding her research into primates and how their sleep has evolved with their environment.  Dr Reinhardt grew up in New York, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Stony Brook University before moving to the United Kingdom for further study.  She completed a Master of Science in Primate Conservation and a PhD in Anthropology and Geography at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford before moving to Canada.  Dr Reinhardt is currently based at the University of Calgary where she is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Transdisciplinary Research with the Faculty of Arts.  Kathleen is also an accomplished scientific illustrator and wildlife artist.                                          In this episode, Kathleen and I discuss:  A new term for me, Torpor, and its meaning.  Torpor and primates, with a focus on strepsirrhines.  Another new term, cathermal.  The similarities between primate and human sleep behaviour.  The impact of humans on primate habitat and behaviours.  The impact of light on animals and humans.  Random thoughts and good wildlife documentaries.  Kathleen’s wildlife artwork.  Dreams in different environments.  The ups and downs of research.    Website: https://www.kathleenreinhardt.com/  Email: kathleen.reinhardt@ucalgary.ca  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theart_ofscience/

    1h 16m

  4. 03/04/2025

    Season 10 Episode 3 w Dr Michael Grandner on sleep and sport

    In this episode, I chat with Dr Michael Grandner regarding his book, “Sleep and Sport – Physical performance, mental performance, injury prevention and competitive advantage for athletes, coaches and trainers.”  Dr. Grandner is the Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, Director of the Behavioural Sleep Medicine Clinic at the Banner-University Medical Centre in Tucson, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UA College of Medicine.  Michael is a regular on the podcast, and his research focuses on how sleep and sleep-related behaviours are related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, neurocognitive functioning, mental health, and longevity.   Michael has published over 200 articles and chapters on issues relating to sleep and health and his work has been cited over 9000 times.  In this episode, Michael and I discuss:  The idea behind writing a book on sleep and sport.  Sleep in the sport industry.  How to herd cats?  How the book is structured and how it suits a wide range of audiences.  The highs and lows of writing a book or chapter and how do you handpick the right authors?  Sport, sleep and teenagers.  Sleep and Mental Health.  How to pack for Singapore?  Useful Links:  Website – michaelgrander.com  Book - Dr. Michael Grandner  University of Arizona - Michael Grandner, PhD, MTR, CBSM, FAASM | The Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona Health Sciences  Sleep & Health Research Program  Google Scholar - ‪Michael Grandner‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬  Research Gate - Michael GRANDNER | Assistant Professor | PhD MTR | University of Arizona, Tucson | UA | Department of Psychiatry | Research profile  Email - grandner@email.arizona.edu

    53 min

  5. 02/05/2025

    Season 10 Episode 2 w Dr Nicole Lindsay on the relationship between near death experiences and dreaming

    In this episode, I chat with Dr Nicole Lindsay regarding her research paper titled “Trauma or Transcendence. The relationship between near death experiences and dreaming.”    Dr Nicole Lindsay is a senior lecturer and researcher based within the School of Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand.  Her research is primarily focused on near-death experiences, end-of-life phenomena, exceptional human experiences, consciousness, spirituality and Indigenous psychologies. She completed a PhD on the topic of near-death experiences, holds national and international research grants and publishes regularly on these topics.    In this episode we chat about:  The definition of Near-Death Experiences (NDE) and what are common NDE’s?  What factors does cultural background play in NDE’s?  How do NDE’s effect people’s thoughts and belief’s post the experience?  Life Reviews, Past life experiences and reincarnation.  The two different ways of “getting to the top of the mountain”  Paper and research involved – Trauma or Transcendence. The relationship between near death experiences and dreaming.  We touch on religion, hippies and woo woo!  What are the benefits of this type of research? The children are the future.    Useful Links:  Massey University - Dr Nicole Lindsay - Senior Lecturer - Massey University  Paper - (PDF) Trauma or Transcendence? The Relationship Between Near-Death Experiences and Dreaming  Research Gate - Nicole LINDSAY | Senior Lecturer | Doctor of Philosophy | Massey University, Palmerston North | School of Psychology | Research profile  Email – n.lindsay1@massey.ac.nz

    1h 15m

  6. 01/08/2025

    Season 10 Episode 1 w Dr Brigitte Holzinger on lucid dreaming in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    In this episode, I chat with Dr. Brigitte Holzinger regarding her paper “Cognitions in Sleep, Lucid Dreaming as an intervention for Nightmares in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Dr. Brigitte Holzinger was born in Vienna, Austria and studied psychology at the University of Vienna, gaining her PhD at Stanford University in California. Brigitte is a psychologist, psychotherapist for Integrative Gestalt, sleep and dream researcher, teacher and writer. She founded the Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research in Vienna and is a founding member of the Austrian Sleep Research Association (ASRA). Brigitte has written several books on the topics of sleep, psychotherapy and Gestalt Theory and lectures at the Medical University of Vienna. In this episode Brigitte and I discuss: Our love of music. What led Brigitte to become involved in Dream Research? Lucid dreaming and the concept of dream yoga. The link between dreams and death. Brigitte’s paper “Cognitions in Sleep, Lucid Dreaming as an intervention for Nightmares in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” The meaning of PTSD and several interesting examples that Brigitte has come across in her research. Our thoughts on dreams, and dreaming about the past, present and future.   Connect with Dr Brigitte Holzinger Research Paper: (PDF) Cognitions in Sleep: Lucid Dreaming as an Intervention for Nightmares in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Gate: Brigitte HOLZINGER | Scientific Director | Professor | Medical University of Vienna, Vienna | MedUni Vienna | Postgraduate/Sleep coaching | Research profile Medical University Vienna: Researcher of the MedUni Vienna Schluffcoaching website: Institute – Schlafcoaching.org Home - The Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research Linked In: (28) Brigitte Holzinger | LinkedIn Email: office@schlafcoaching.org Contact me at iandunican@sleep4performance.com.au or www.sleep4performance.com.au  and check out the YouTube channel.

    1h 13m

  7. 12/13/2024

    Season 9 Episode 10 w Dr Royette Dubar on the effect of religion and spirituality on sleep health

    In this episode, I chat with Dr Royette T. Dubar about her research paper, "What's your religious coping profile? Difference in religious orientation and subjective sleep among religious coping groups in the United States." Dr. Royette T. Dubar was born on the small Caribbean Island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). While pursuing an Associate's Degree in General Liberal Arts at the University of St. Martin, she took her first Psychology course and developed a passion for studying human behaviour. Royette obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Trent University and a Master's Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University in Canada. Dr Dubar's dedication to understanding what factors contribute to youth well-being led her to explore the topic of sleep. Her research interests include the important role that sleep plays across multiple domains of psychosocial adjustment. She obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology from Brock University and is currently the Director of the Sleep and Psychosocial Adjustment Lab (Spa Lab) at Wesleyan University.   In this episode, we discuss: Royette's background and interest in emerging adulthood The link between religiosity and sleep The cliché "One size fits all" The research paper What's your religious coping profile? Differences in religious orientation and subjective sleep among religious coping groups in the United States - PubMed The findings from Royette's study Future research options   Wesleyan University - Royette T Dubar – Assistant Professor of Psychology Google Scholar - ‪Royette Tavernier Dubar - ‪Google Scholar SPA Lab - Sleep & Psychosocial Adjustment Lab Email: rtdubar@wesleyan.edu   For further inquiries, get in touch. Don’t forget to explore our YouTube channel.

    1h 4m

  8. 11/07/2024

    Special Episode w Nicola Ward "Rise Above" overcoming the challenges of starting a business or consulting

    Nicola, with 26 years in business management and bookkeeping, assists business owners to save time and grow their businesses. Nicola holds a Diploma in Office Management, she is a registered BAS Agent, an Everything Disc Practitioner and holds a Certificate in Organisation and Executive Coaching.  Nicola’s journey includes diverse roles in small business operations to now having her own small business. Her book shares hands-on insights, learned from real challenges, offering down-to-earth advice for both new and seasoned business owners. Nicola's candid storytelling, including her own mistakes, makes it a relatable guide for business success People should buy Nicola's book because: • Real-World Wisdom: Gain insights from Nicola's diverse skill set from 26 years in business management, bookkeeping, workplace cultural programs, project management, coaching, and more, offering practical advice derived from hands-on experiences. • Actionable Guidance: The book offers down-to-earth and straightforward advice, making it a practical roadmap for both seasoned business owners and those in the early stages of their journey. • Relatable and Authentic: Nicola's candid storytelling and relatable experiences create a connection with readers, making the book an engaging and authentic guide. • Learn from Mistakes: Nicola shares her own triumphs and a standout mistake, providing valuable lessons to help readers avoid common pitfalls in their journey. • Shortcut to Success: Gain a shortcut to success by learning from the experiences of Nicola's clients and vendors, who share their own accounts of mistakes, challenges, lessons, and motivations. Grab this book for a down-to-earth guide that feels like chatting with a friend over coffee.  You can gain practical wisdom, avoid common pitfalls, and get real life advice from other business owners who have navigated the ups and downs of the business world.   Discount code to be used on website to receive 20% off. SLEEP20 Link to buy the eBook and Paperback https://precious-time.com.au/product/rise-above-paperback/ https://precious-time.com.au/product/rise-above-ebook/ Contact me at iandunican@sleep4performance.com.au or www.sleep4performance.com.au

    1h 5m
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About

With your host Dr Ian Dunican we dive into all things sleep and performance-related. We focus on the latest evidence-based research and practical applications.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Ian Dunican
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 Ian Dunican. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Sleep4Performance Podcast