Conversations with Experts is proud to present Dr. Caitlin Chasser, an NHS GP with a special interest in sleep. In this episode, we explore how to optimise rest, manage stress, and sustain peak performance in high-pressure environments. Dr. Chasser runs The Sleep Project, specialising in CBT-I and Circadian Therapy, working with elite athletes and doctors. Learn more at www.thesleepproject.life, including resources on managing shift work.

Time stamps:
-What’s the relationship between stress and sleep? 3.50
-Why is sleep important? 5.25 
-What’s the relationship between sleep and performance? 8:12
-What is “sufficient sleep”? 11:33
-How do you optimise sleep? 13:24
-How do you switch off? 21:50
-How do you wake up refreshed? 25:16
-How do you manage a bleep in the middle of the night? 30:07
-How do you drift off when you’re wired? 33:10
-How do you create a night-time routine without screens? 36:45
-How do you manage chronic snoozing? 40:08
-The only time I can eat or exercise is late at night but I am worried it will affect my sleep - what should I do? 42:50
-Dr Caitlin Chasser’s top 3 tips/habits for sleep 45:00
-What’s the relationship between alcohol and sleep? 45:28
-How to manage insomnia, including relating to shiftwork 47:40 
-How to prioritise sleep when there aren’t enough hours in the day? 50:00
-Where to find Dr Caitlin Chasser 54:26

Sleep for Surgeons – with Dr. Caitlin Chasser

In this conversation with experts, Lilli speaks with Jodie Milton — relationship and intimacy coach and co-creator of Practical Intimacy — about how intimacy shows up in the lives of surgeons. Together, they explore the challenges of connection, communication, and maintaining closeness in high-pressure, high-performance environments.

Intimacy for surgeons with Jodie Milton

In this expert conversation, Lilli Cooper speaks with neuroscientist and bestselling author Tj Power about The DOSE Effect and how his framework for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins can help us navigate modern life and unlock human potential.

Rest and recovery for surgeons with TJ Power

In this expert conversation, Lilli Cooper speaks with Angus Kille — a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) and certified ICF Transformational Coach based in North Wales. Alongside his wife, professional climber Hazel Findlay, Angus co-founded Strong Mind, a programme helping climbers build the mental skills to manage fear and perform at their best. Together they explore the psychology of climbing, how to train your mind as well as your body, and why courage is a practice.

The cutting edge and the granite face... A conversation with Angus Kille

In this expert conversation, Lilli Cooper speaks with Dr Shiv Chande; a GP, mindfulness instructor, and yoga teacher. He co-founded the Chande Project, blending science and soul; mindfulness and human connection for modern life. You can find out more about what he’s up to @thechandeproject  @chandepaul

Dr. Shiv Chande on Mindfulness and Performance

Passionate about the human body and mind, I blend surgical training with a deep understanding of performance, productivity, and well-being. Coaching transformed my self-awareness, helping me reframe barriers and embrace my strengths—and I’m here to help you do the same.

Dr. Shiv Chande on Mindfulness and Performance

Lilli Cooper

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