Laura Fox, RTE2FM talks to Síne Dunne about sleep

Why Sleep Isn’t Just One Thing — And Why Your Sleep Plan Shouldn’t Be Either

 I was on RTÉ 2FM with the amazing Laura Fox this week talking about something close to my heart — why a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep no longer works.

Here’s the full episode:
👉 https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/22505598-sine-dunne-sleep/

What is perfect for one person - for example, our loved siest sleepers - might not be right for someone else. It’s biological, psychological, hormonal and behavioural — and the most powerful performance tool we’re not taught how to use.

We talked:

• Why do some people wake at 3am with a racing brain
• What’ sleep hygiene is
• The Impact of Poor Sleep 
• Why naps can work
• And why can’t you just go to sleep — you have to get ready for it (like preheating the oven... although air fryers have ruined that analogy 😅)

Here’s the full episode:
👉 https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/22505598-sine-dunne-sleep/

Ask a dentist about sleep and they'll talk about your jaw. Ask a psychologist and you'll hear about anxiety. Ask a GP? Often, it's medication. But here’s the truth: sleep isn’t just one thing — it’s biological, psychological, hormonal, and behavioural.

And yet, most people are still being handed the sleep equivalent of a 'low-fat diet' — outdated, overly simplified, and not remotely personalised.

Sleep is finally having its fitness moment. Just like we moved from calorie counting to custom workouts and macros, sleep is moving into the era of precision care. It’s not about lavender sprays or blackout blinds alone (though they help!) — it’s about asking the right questions, understanding your unique sleep profile, and making changes that actually stick.

Because let’s be honest: you can’t just “go to sleep.” You have to get ready for sleep. Like preheating the oven before baking — only now, we’re all in air fryer mode and nobody wants to wait.

So, what’s really going on with sleep?

• It’s your brain’s clean-up crew — clearing waste via the glymphatic system

• It’s your emotional regulator — lack of REM sleep affects mood and resilience

• It’s your immune booster — essential for recovery, repair and fighting illness

• And it’s your operating system reboot — without it, you’re glitching through life

Why you (or your team) might be struggling to sleep:

• Racing mind? That’s high cognitive arousal — common in high-performers/ new parents

• Trouble winding down? Your circadian rhythm may be misaligned

• Nightcaps? Alcohol disrupts deep sleep

• Sluggish days? That’s low sleep pressure — not enough activity means your brain hasn’t built up the drive to sleep

Sleep problems aren’t one-size-fits-all — and your solutions shouldn’t be either. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up unrefreshed, the root cause matters.

Sleep hygiene ≠ sleep solution

Think of it like “skincare for your brain.” Yes, the basics matter — consistent wake times, a cool dark room, and early morning light. But if sleep was truly as simple as switching off devices and dimming the lights, we’d all be Olympic sleepers.

Real solutions go deeper. Hormone shifts, stress levels, activity patterns and circadian timing all play a role. That’s why blanket advice doesn’t work anymore.

What if we treated sleep like we treat fitness or nutrition?

We’d talk about sleep subtypes:

• Sleep onset insomnia = difficulty falling asleep

• Sleep maintenance insomnia = waking during the night

• Non-restorative sleep = lack of deep or REM sleep

• Circadian misalignment = waking too early or sleeping too late

We’d tailor routines, track data, and ask smarter questions. We’d stop asking “Did you get 8 hours?” and start asking “Did your brain get the sleep it needed to perform?”

The performance cost of poor sleep? It’s hiding in plain sight:

• Memory lapses

• Short temper

• Increased cravings

• Slower physical recovery

• Lower immunity

• Poor decision-making

Even if you feel fine, your body and brain may be compensating. Sleep debt builds like credit card debt — quietly until you hit the limit. That’s why performance-focused sleep care isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s a leadership strategy.

In summary: Here’s what modern sleep care looks like

• Personalised, not prescriptive

• Rooted in biology and behaviour

• Informed by data, not just advice

• Designed for performance, not perfection

It’s time to move beyond one-size-fits-none advice. The future of sleep is precision, purpose, and performance — and it starts by asking better questions.

Here’s the full episode:
👉 https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/22505598-sine-dunne-sleep/

 

Want to unlock better sleep for yourself or your team? Let’s talk. sine@siestsleep.com