wherever I lay my hat

In this episode of getting on your nerves?, Dr Anna Persaud is joined by neuroscientist and sleep expert Professor Gaby Badre to explore why some people can sleep anywhere, while others struggle as soon as their surroundings change. Together, Anna and Gaby unpack how sleep supports the brain and body, from memory and emotional processing to immune function, skin repair and recovery. They explore the idea of sleep resilience: regulating the nervous system so it feels safe enough to rest, adapt and recover, even when conditions aren’t perfect. They examine why unfamiliar environments can leave us feeling “tired but wired”, including the First Night Effect and the brain’s instinct to remain alert in a new space. Anna explains how nervous system regulation and regular recovery can increase our capacity to cope with travel, disrupted routines and changing environments. The conversation also asks whether rigid sleep routines can make sleep feel more fragile. Anna and Gaby discuss how familiar sensory cues, including fragrance, can signal safety to the nervous system when the room, bed or time zone has changed. Anna also shares how This Works’ Deep Sleep Functional Fragrance can create a consistent cue for relaxation while travelling. From jet lag and social jet lag to light exposure, caffeine and alcohol, the episode offers practical advice for finding rest wherever life takes you. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to sleep perfectly everywhere, but to build a more flexible nervous system and greater confidence in your body’s ability to adapt and recover.