Real Health with Karl Henry January Reset: How to get to sleep with Dr Máire Finn
Jan 1, 2026
Dr. Máire Finn, a GP and female health expert at Centric Health in Ennis, dives into the science of sleep. She explains the essential stages of sleep, revealing how REM and non-REM phases contribute to memory and brain health. Discover how sleep hormones influence appetite and aging, and learn about the impact of individual chronotypes on sleep needs. Máire also discusses common sleep disruptors, including menopause, and shares tips for creating an optimal sleep environment. Tune in for practical advice to enhance your nightly rest!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sleep Is Restoration Not Just Inactivity
- Sleep is a universal, essential restoration process that clears the brain and cements memories each night.
- Good sleep quality and quantity support recovery, metabolism, and long-term brain health.
Sleep Phases Cleanse The Brain
- Different sleep phases (non-REM and REM) each perform distinct restorative functions including memory consolidation and brain 'washing'.
- Proper cycles help remove amyloid plaques linked to dementia risk.
Fix Sleep To Regulate Hunger Hormones
- Recognise that poor sleep disturbs hunger hormones grelin and leptin and increases appetite for quick sugar fixes.
- Manage sleep to help hormone balance and reduce metabolic ageing from chronic poor sleep.