About Dr Penelope Savvas

With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Penny has established herself as a trusted expert in the field of Rheumatology. She specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions including inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue disorders, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal medicine and osteoporosis.
 
Penny graduated with first class honours from the University of Sydney in 1986 and obtained her Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 1992. Penny stays up to date with the latest advancements in the field of Rheumatology. She has maintained her close association with the Department of Rheumatology at Royal North Shore Hospital over the years being actively involved in its activities and regular clinical meetings. She is a member of the Australian Rheumatology Association and attends its meetings and conferences
 
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and expertise Penny adopts a patient centred approach so that patients fully understand their conditions and their personalised treatment options.

 

Penny works as an independent practitioner consulting at BJC Health.

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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!