Season 10 Episode 5 w Dr Samantha Bramich on REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder, sleep, dreams and brain health

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Samantha Bramich to delve into the science of sleep, dreams, and brain health. Samantha, originally from the New South Wales Central Coast and now based in Tasmania, brings a wealth of expertise in sleep medicine, psychological science, and neurodegenerative diseases.

We unpack her recently published paper: “Dream Characteristics are Sex-Specific in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and Healthy Older Adults”, exploring how our dreams can reveal deeper insights into brain function and even early signs of disorders like Parkinson’s and dementia.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Samantha developed her passion for sleep science.
• The connection between REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), Parkinson’s Disease, and dementia.
• Key risk factors for neurodegenerative conditions, including shift work.
• The powerful role of exercise, diet, sleep, and even learning new skills in protecting brain health.
• What RBD is, how it differs from sleepwalking, and the early warning signs to look out for.
• Treatment options and preventative strategies.
• Gender differences in dreaming, especially in the context of RBD.
• Insights into memory consolidation, trauma, and how sleep processes emotional experiences.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of sleep, neurology, and mental well-being. Whether you're a health professional or simply passionate about improving your brain health, Samantha’s insights offer practical knowledge and compelling research findings.

Linked In: (26) Samantha Bramich | LinkedIn

X: @SleepSamB

Email: Samantha.bramich@utas.com.au

University of Tasmania: Samantha Bramich | About | University of Tasmania

Research Paper: P027 Dream characteristics are sex-specific in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and healthy older adults | SLEEP Advances | Oxford Academic