CATHERINE BANE, PH.D. (BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND, UK) has spent over 20 years working in public health and research. She holds a Ph.D. from Queen's University, Belfast, and is a member of the British Psychological Society and the Division of Health Psychology. A lifelong good sleeper--aside from the early years of motherhood--she was floored by the unexpected sleep challenges that surfaced in her early forties. This personal experience, combined with her professional expertise, deepened her interest in sleep and its impact on well-being.
Once her forties arrived, the things Catherine had once juggled effortlessly felt overwhelming. Waking at 2 a.m. and lying awake for hours became her new reality. No matter what she tried--sleep hygiene, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, supplements--nothing worked. Fatigue became a daily occurrence and crept into every aspect of her life, making even simple things feel insurmountable. She knew something had to change.
That change came unexpectedly when Catherine stumbled upon Patrick McKeown's work while listening to a podcast. Intrigued by the Buteyko Breathing Method, she decided to give it a try. Unlike other techniques she had explored, this one felt different--it was science-backed, practical, and, most importantly, effective.
She began with Breathe Light by Relaxation, a guided audio practice on the Buteyko app. For the first time, practicing breathing exercises didn't feel like another task on her endless to-do list. Instead, they became a welcome means to calm her busy mind and enhance her sleep.
Eager to deepen her understanding, Catherine pursued further training, completing the Oxygen Advantage(R) Advanced Instructor Training with Patrick McKeown and psychotherapist Tom Herron in 2022. She felt the benefits of these exercises ripple throughout her life. Now, on the odd occasion when she does wake up at night, she has the tools to ease back into restful sleep effortlessly.
Collaborating with Patrick McKeown, Catherine has contributed to several publications, including The Breathing Cure for Yoga (McKeown & Tzanis, 2025), Mouth Breather--Shut Your Mouth: The Self-Help Book for Breathers (McKeown & Dunne, 2024), and The Buteyko Method Psychophysiological Breath Training Manual (McKeown, Romagnoli, Bye, Herron & Bane).
Catherine also remains actively involved in health research. She holds an Evidence Synthesis Ireland Evidence Review Fellowship funded by the HSC R&D Division of the Public Health Agency and is collaborating with Warwick University on an evidence review of health screening.
Through both personal experience and professional expertise, Catherine is dedicated to helping others reclaim their sleep, health, and well-being.
Dr Bane lives & works in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
https: //buteykoclinic.com/pages/instructor-profile/catherine-bane
