Insomnia treatment that works exists. You probably haven't been offered it. You've tried melatonin, cut the screens, kept the room cold. That list is what sleep researchers use as a placebo, not because it might help, but because they know it won't. Ten years is how long you might go before anyone points you somewhere better.

What does it feel like to follow every instruction and still be awake at 3am? The problem probably isn't your habits. Once insomnia takes hold, your brain pairs your bed with being awake, and something switches on the moment you get in. That pairing is called conditioned arousal, and a drug does not break it.

The actual treatment takes two to four sessions and costs less than a month of medication. What's been missing for most Canadians isn't a cure. It's a standard that nobody enforced until now.

Topics: insomnia treatment, CBT for insomnia, sleep hygiene, conditioned arousal, Ontario sleep standard

GUEST: Dr. Colleen Carney | sadlab@torontomu.ca

Originally aired on 2026-03-13

Insomnia treatment that works exists. You probably haven't been offered it. You've tried melatonin, cut the screens, kept the room cold. That list is what sleep researchers use as a placebo, not because it might help, but because they know it won't. Ten years is how long you might go before anyone points you somewhere better.
What does it feel like to follow every instruction and still be awake at 3am? The problem probably isn't your habits. Once insomnia takes hold, your brain pairs your bed with being awake, and something switches on the moment you get in. That pairing is called conditioned arousal, and a drug does not break it.
The actual treatment takes two to four sessions and costs less than a month of medication. What's been missing for most Canadians isn't a cure. It's a standard that nobody enforced until now.
Topics: insomnia treatment, CBT for insomnia, sleep hygiene, conditioned arousal, Ontario sleep standard
GUEST: Dr. Colleen Carney | sadlab@torontomu.ca
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-13

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.