Insomnia, Sleeping Drugs and Dementia: The Science of Sleep with Dr Benji Ozinsky

In this episode, Dr Benji Ozinsky joins me for a fascinating exploration of sleep, insomnia and the brain. We unpack sleep architecture, the roles of REM and deep sleep, and why sedation is not necessarily the same as restorative sleep.We also examine sleeping tablets and other sedative drugs, their benefits and limitations, and the risks associated with long-term use. Dr Ozinsky explains CBT-I (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia), why it is considered a leading treatment for chronic insomnia, and what the relationship between disrupted sleep, ageing and dementia may reveal about brain health.Whether you struggle with insomnia, prescribe sleep medication or simply want to understand what happens after you close your eyes, this conversation offers a clear, evidence-informed guide to the science of better sleep.Topics include: insomnia, sleep architecture, REM sleep, deep sleep, sedatives, sleeping tablets, sleep medication, CBT-I, dementia, ageing, memory, hormone health, sleep deprivation and brain health.This episode is for education only and does not replace individual medical advice.