Dr Jen Walsh: Sleep, Recovery and Making It Work in Real Life

In this episode, Grant sits down with Dr Jen Walsh, a sleep scientist at the University of Western Australia, for a practical and grounded conversation about sleep — not as an optimisation strategy, but as a fundamental part of everyday life. Together, they explore how sleep works, why it matters, and how it fits into the realities of early mornings, work, family demands, and imperfect routines. The discussion covers key concepts such as circadian rhythms, sleep pressure, how much sleep we actually need, and what happens when we don’t get enough. They also unpack common questions around wearables, naps, caffeine and alcohol, early training sessions, and whether a poor night’s sleep before a swim or run really matters. Rather than chasing perfection, this conversation focuses on helping listeners better understand their sleep and make more informed, realistic decisions within the lives they actually live. check out Jen's work here: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/jen-walsh/   or connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-walsh/   Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. https://www.instagram.com/scienceandartofows/ (@scienceandartofows)   This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.