About Dr Irwin Lim

Irwin has been a rheumatologist in Sydney since 2003 and is the co-founder and Medical Director of BJC Health, where rheumatologists and allied health professionals work together to provide coordinated, whole-person care. He has clinical expertise in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis.

Irwin is committed to helping patients understand their condition and treatment options, and has long worked to reduce misinformation about arthritis and autoimmune disease through digital education, GP teaching and community initiatives. He also serves as Editor of Rheumatology Republic.

He has contributed extensively to the Australian Rheumatology Association, in various committees and has most recently, served as President of the NSW/ACT Branch and a Board Member.

Irwin is known for explaining complex ideas clearly, offering practical and realistic solutions, and building personalised care plans supported by a strong multidisciplinary team.

 

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Free Access to Live Events and Event Recordings and over 200 Resources.

Your BJC Connect Starter Account is free.  To access workshops and live guided exercise classes and other premium membership content please see details on our other memberships.

 

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Check out Connect Events

Wed 2 September 8pm!

Register to attend.  You will also get the live recording.

Sleep and the Anxious Brain

How can this event help me?

Sleep difficulties and anxiety often go hand in hand, each influencing the other in ways that can affect energy, mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Understanding how the anxious brain impacts sleep can make a meaningful difference in building healthier, more restorative sleep habits.

In this live online session, Psychologist Adrian Comensoli will explore the relationship between anxiety and sleep, share practical strategies to calm the mind at night, and help you develop a more supportive approach to rest. This discussion caters to anyone seeking practical insights , whether you’re personally experiencing sleep challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to better understand the connection between anxiety and sleep.

Join Adrian for an engaging conversation covering the following:

  • Why anxiety affects sleep: How the brain’s threat system can stay active at night, why racing thoughts and hyperarousal make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, and how this cycle can become self-reinforcing over time.

  • Breaking the worry–sleep cycle: Strategies to manage racing thoughts, reduce bedtime rumination, and create mental space for rest without putting pressure on yourself to “force” sleep.

  • Building a supportive sleep routine: Practical ways to shape evening habits, wind-down routines, and sleep environments that signal safety and calm to the nervous system.

  • Managing night-time wakefulness: What to do when you wake during the night, how to respond without frustration or panic, and how to gently guide your brain back toward rest.

  • Creating long-term sleep confidence: Tools to reduce sleep-related anxiety, rebuild trust in your ability to rest, and approach sleep with greater confidence and self-compassion.

This session offers invaluable guidance for anyone wanting to better understand sleep and the anxious brain while building healthier, more sustainable sleep habits. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 2nd, and join us for this supportive and enlightening virtual gathering. We encourage your questions and active participation to make this a truly collaborative learning experience for everyone involved.

Register to attend!