In this webinar, Dr Carrie Milahan, a sleep scientist from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney, provides a clear and practical overview of how sleep works and why it matters, particularly for people affected by myeloma and cancer treatment.
Dr Milahan explains the different stages of sleep (light sleep, deep sleep and REM), what happens in the brain overnight, and the many critical functions of sleep — including memory processing, hormone regulation, immune support, emotional regulation, and brain “waste” clearance. She also explores how expectations about “normal sleep” are shaped by culture, age, and modern lifestyles, and why waking during the night is often more normal than we think.
The session includes practical, evidence-based guidance on healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a regular wake time, creating a supportive sleep environment, managing caffeine and alcohol, reducing bedtime anxiety, and working with — not against — the body’s natural sleep cues. Dr Milahan also shares strategies for managing insomnia and disrupted sleep, including behavioural techniques, wind-down routines, and when to seek additional support.
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