What if the best way to improve your sleep is not going to bed earlier, but waking up at the same time every day?

On Performance People this week, Georgie Ainslie speaks to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr Michael Breus, known as The Sleep Doctor, about sleep science, chronotypes and the link between sleep and high performance.

Dr Breus explains how sleep affects recovery, concentration, decision-making, emotional control and sporting performance. He also challenges common sleep myths, including the idea that everyone needs precisely eight hours.

The conversation explores his four chronotypes: lion, bear, wolf and dolphin, and how your natural body clock can influence the best times to sleep, work, exercise and make important decisions.

Michael also discusses sleep trackers including Oura, WHOOP, Garmin and Apple Watch. While wearables can help identify useful trends, he warns against treating sleep scores and deep sleep data as completely accurate. For people who already feel anxious about sleep, checking a tracker every morning can make things worse.

Georgie and Michael also examine the lack of female sleep research and the impact of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause on sleep. They discuss why sleep apnoea in women can be overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Finally, Dr Breus shares five practical tips: wake up at the same time every day, stop caffeine by 2pm, avoid alcohol for three hours before bed, finish exercise four hours before bed, and get morning sunlight, water and deep breaths.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

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