Sleep, Mindfulness & The Body Clock: A Personal Guide to Restoring Rest
S2 Ep 9 | Good Honest Talk
If you’ve ever laid awake wondering what’s wrong with your sleep, or if you’ll ever feel rested again, this episode is for you.
This week, I’m joined by Jean O’Hanlon, a sleep therapist whose personal journey through sleep paralysis, anxiety, and burnout led her to open her own sleep clinic. Together, we explore the layered realities of sleep disruption and how reclaiming rest involves far more than following generalised sleep hygiene tips.
We look at the nervous system, mindfulness, and connection as essential components of sleep quality. We also discuss why health coaching and personalisation are so important in a post-pandemic world where stress, energy crashes, and erratic routines are increasingly common.
This conversation is about rebuilding your relationship with rest, rhythm, and resilience. It is grounded in insight, compassion, and curiosity.
Listen to the full episode
Sleep, Mindfulness & The Body Clock: A Personal Guide to Restoring Rest
What We Talk About:
How sleep paralysis can act as a catalyst for deeper healing
The challenges women face when seeking help for sleep issues
Why mindfulness is not a luxury but an essential step in calming the system
The hidden role of social connection in sleep and mental health
How caffeine and sugar can affect your energy and sleep, often earlier than expected
Why the term “sleep hygiene” can feel oversimplified or misleading
The impact of fasting on the circadian rhythm, especially in women
How to work with your body clock, rather than pushing against it
Viewing your health as a flexible, ongoing experiment rather than a fixed plan
“Sleep can’t be fixed with a checklist. It requires listening to your body, your stress levels, and your life.” - Jean O’Hanlon
A More Personal Way to Approach Rest
Jean reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep struggles. Real change often comes from slowing down, reflecting, and adjusting course gently and gradually.
Rather than striving for perfect sleep, we can aim for restorative rhythms. These are cycles of activity and rest that honour our needs and capacity. This includes space for self-awareness, nourishment, movement, connection, and pleasure.
Catch Up on the Webinar
If you missed my webinar on sleep and energy last week you can watch the full recording here: Watch the webinar recording
It covers additional strategies on sleep quality, circadian rhythm support, and practical tools to help you feel more energised throughout the day.
Gentle Reminders for Better Sleep
Avoid caffeine (including green tea and dark chocolate) at least six hours before bedtime
Focus on winding down well before sleep. No screens, no emails, no rushing
Make your bedroom a sanctuary: dark, quiet, cool, and clutter-free
Try a mindfulness or breathwork practice in the evening
Include moments of joy and connection during the day. They shape your nervous system
Be curious about your patterns rather than judgmental
You are not broken. You might just be out of rhythm.
This episode offers space to pause, reflect, and begin to restore your rest on your own terms.
Let me know what resonates, or feel free to share your own sleep story.