The Hidden 20% Sleep, Neurodiversity & The Myths Holding Us Back with Neurophysiologist Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan (Part One)
Sep 3, 2025
Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, a neurophysiologist and sleep expert with over 25 years of experience, shares her inspiring journey from childhood insomnia to becoming a practitioner in the same psychiatric unit where she was once treated. The conversation reveals the intricate link between sleep and feelings of safety, as well as how neurodivergent individuals face unique sleep challenges. She offers insights on the myths surrounding sleep, the impact of technology, and practical tips to enhance sleep quality for better mental health.
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From Patient To Practitioner
- After a psychosis at 31 she was hospitalized, off medication, and rebuilt life by seeking embodied safety.
- She later returned to work at the same psychiatric clinic where she'd been a patient.
Embodiment Signals Inner Safety
- Nerina describes feeling present and embodied as markers of safety: breath, contact with chair and floor, and emotional availability.
- These embodied signals allowed her to process grief while still sleeping.
Sleep Was Largely Ignored Decades Ago
- Thirty years ago sleep was barely covered in medical training and cultural discussion.
- Early corporate screenings exposed sleep-linked patterns like truncal fat and altered breathing as stress markers.
