Jun 2, 2026
“When we sleep, a spinal fluid washes over our brain and gets rid of a peptide called beta-amyloid which is implicated in the Alzheimer dementia process. So if we're not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, we really do suffer the consequences later on.”
In this Best of Series episode, we replay a chat I had in 2019 with Executive Sleep Guru, Dr Carmel Harrington, on the myths and factors of sleep that drive optimal health, joy and performance.
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Carmel is an internationally recognised sleep expert, having worked in the world of sleep for more than 20 years. She is the Managing Director of Sleep for Health and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Children's Hospital Westmead.
Following a career as a lawyer and educator, she obtained a PHD in Sleep Medicine from Sydney University and consults with companies and educational institutions both here and overseas on sleep health.
Amazed at the seemingly little importance given to sleep, she dove head-first into the emerging research that clearly demonstrated that sleeping well was a key component of optimal performance and health.
Carmel has also written two books, "The Sleep Diet" and "The complete guide to a good night's sleep".
In this Sleep Masterclass, we talk about:
✅ The crazy myths we carry about sleep and how short-circuiting this vital human function does far more than just make us tired.
✅ The different kinds of sleep and the optimal number of hours we need each night.
✅ Polyphasic sleep, caffeine, alcohol, diet, and
✅ What to do when you can’t sleep!
Stay epic,
Greg
Connecting with Dr Carmel Harrington
You can connect with Carmel via her website, sleepforhealth.com.au
Books and Resources
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The Sleep Diet - by Dr Carmel Harrington
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The complete guide to a good night's sleep - by Dr Carmel Harrington
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The 4-Hour Body - by Tim Ferriss
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