Welcome back to Catching Zzz's, the podcast where we explore the science stories and strategies that help us live and sleep better. 

Today, we're talking about something that touches so many lives: breast cancer. But this conversation isn't about fear. It's about strength, community, and the ways we can thrive together. 

I'm joined by two inspiring women. First, Dr. Kristi Graves, a professor and researcher at Georgetown University, who studies cancer survivorship and health disparities. 

We are also joined by Elissa Kalver, who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2021 and is redefining what it means to beat cancer and live her most authentic life.

She's the founder of the first nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients called WeGotThis.org. Neither of our guests are sleep scientists, but they both know the profound role that sleep plays in mental health, healing, and quality of life.

Today, we're going to explore how the rest fits into the bigger picture of surviving and thriving, whether you're a patient, a caregiver, a researcher, or a loved one. 

During the conversation, we cover a wide variety of topics, including fatigue while having a serious illness, treatment of side effects and insomnia, practical self care routines, mental health strategies, and more. You can learn more about Dr. Kristi Graves, Elissa Kalver, and the Better Sleep Council at bettersleep.org.

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Catching Zzz’s podcast! Better Sleep Council representative and pediatric sleep strategist Jessica Bryant of Sleep Happy Consulting is in the host seat for this week’s episode. 

Our guest today is Candace Szymanski, a board-certified music therapist and founder of the Cultivate Community in Southlake, Texas and we’re diving into the world of music therapy and its powerful connection to sleep and emotional wellbeing. 

We explore how music therapy goes far beyond just learning an instrument, offering creative and evidence-based ways for children and teens to express emotion, cope with stress, and build healthy sleep routines.

Candace shares insightful stories from her years of experience working in pediatric hospitals and private practice, revealing how music—whether through soothing playlists, songwriting, or even simple humming—can provide comfort, signal relaxation, and help kids wind down at bedtime. 

Parents, caregivers, and anyone curious about integrating music as a tool for better sleep will walk away with tangible tips, relatable anecdotes, and a new appreciation for the science and heart behind music therapy. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Welcome back to Catching Zzz's, the show where we pull back the covers on the science of sleep and give you tips you can actually use without needing a PhD. 

Today's episode is for anyone who's ever wondered why they feel like a zombie in the morning or suddenly wake up at midnight. We're talking about circadian rhythms, your body's internal clock, and why they're way more important than just telling you when to sleep.

Joining host Mary Helen Rogers is someone who knows this better than almost anyone, Ellen Wermter. She's a Family Nurse Practitioner, a diplomat in behavioral sleep medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and one of the most passionate voices in the sleep health field. 

You may recognize Ellen's name as she was on the first season of the podcast discussing Women's Health Month and a variety of topics such as sleep trackers, bedroom environments, and more. 

Whether you're looking to optimize your bedtime routine or simply curious about how your body works, you'll walk away with practical takeaways to support better sleep and overall health. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Welcome back to the Better Sleep Council Podcast and another episode of Catching Zzz’s! Lissa Coffey here, Better Sleep Council representative, and we’re back for part two of our deep dive into kids’ sleep habits with Emma Ekum, who is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, California. In case you missed it, last week we had Emma talking about the newborn and toddler season of sleep and this week we are discussing sleep struggles and solutions for school-age kids and teens.

During our conversation, we dive into how to spot signs of sleep deprivation, the importance of consistent routines, and ways to help kids become more independent in managing their own sleep schedules. 

We also highlight practical tips for parents, like setting appropriate bedtimes, modeling good sleep hygiene, and the crucial role of adequate rest in children’s memory, mood, and even safety as teens begin to drive. Whether you’re a parent navigating kindergarten bedtimes or wrangling late-night teens, this episode is packed with insights and relatable stories to help your whole family sleep better.

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Welcome back to the Better Sleep Council Podcast and another episode of Catching Zzz’s! We are back for season 2 and we are kicking it off with mixing it up with the host seat. I’m Lissa Coffey, you may remember me from previous episodes where I chatted with Mary Helen Rogers about Ayurveda Doshas and how stress affects your sleep. 

This week I’m in the host seat and I welcome Emma Ekum, who is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, California. She integrates therapeutic techniques with practical sleep strategies to help individuals and couples overcome sleep challenges and improve overall well-being. 

During our conversation, we dive into everything from the wild early days with newborns—think sleepless nights, mysterious baby noises, and the crucial role of sleep routines—to practical tips for creating safe, soothing sleep environments as kids grow. We unpack topics like baby sleep schedules, the benefits of white noise, how and when to transition kids to their own rooms or big kid beds, and all the modern parenting hacks that can make bedtime a little smoother for everyone.

Whether you’re a new parent feeling sleep-deprived or just curious about how to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits, this episode is filled with relatable stories, expert advice, and plenty of laughs. So get cozy, and enjoy this insightful conversation that’s all about catching those much-needed Z’s—even if your little ones make it a challenge!

We were having such a good time chatting, that we actually split the episode into two parts – tune next week for part 2!

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lissa Coffey here, representative of the Better Sleep Council, and for this week's episode I'm in the host seat! I got to interview Ali, co-founder of the Halo Salt Spa in Westlake Village, California. 

During our conversation, Ali and I dive into the soothing world of salt therapy and explore how this unique salt-filled sanctuary can support better sleep and overall well-being. From the floor to ceiling walls lined with Himalayan salt to the calming benefits of negative ions, you'll discover how salt rooms not only mimic a day at the beach, but also offer a natural side-effect-free way to relax the mind and body. 

Ali shares fascinating stories, including how salt therapy helped a young boy sleep through the night for the first time, as well as practical tips for bringing the power of salt into your home. You can find more information about the Better Sleep Council at bettersleep.org and about Halo Salt Spa at halosaltspa.com.

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

May is National Women's Health Month and Better Sleep Month, and I wanted to invite Better Sleep Council Representative Ellen Wermter to discuss all things sleep and women's health. Ellen is a Family Nurse Practitioner, Diplomat in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, and Fellow of American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

During this episode, we explore the pros and cons of using sleep trackers, how to create an environment where you can thrive and sleep, signs you're focusing too much on sleep, how to identify your relationship with sleep, and why a few bad nights of sleep isn't the end of the world. 

We also discussed the role natural light plays in getting a good night's sleep, the two things that optimize your sleep the most, and so much more. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Summer is coming, and you know what that means. Wonky sleep schedules for you and the kids. Are you dreaming about a consistent sleep routine with your kids, even during the long summer days? This week on the podcast we have Jessica Bryant, who is another one of our representatives at the Better Sleep Council. 

She's an internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting. She's dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their child's sleepless days and nights. 

During our conversation, we discuss the art of maintaining healthy bedtime boundaries during the summer months, the importance of consistent sleep routines, the concept of bedtime boundaries, and realistic tips for balancing fun with restful nights on vacation. You can find more information about Jessica and the Better Sleep Council bettersleep.org. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Free Bedtime Chart

Did you know that one of the most crucial components of a good night's rest is your mattress? Many people delay replacing their mattress, but your mattress could be the cause of your restless nights and aches, and pains. 

Joining us today on Catching Zzz’s is Lisa Humphrey, President of Fred's Beds in North Carolina. With years of experience in the mattress industry, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge about how the right mattress can impact our sleep quality and overall well-being. 

During this episode, we explore common signs that it's time for a new mattress, the importance of tailoring your mattress choice to fit your specific needs, and the practical tips for mattress shopping success. 

Whether you're upgrading your current setup or facing the crowded world of mattress options for the first time, Lisa's insights will guide how to invest wisely in restful sleep. 

Grab a pillow, get cozy, and let's find out if it's time for a new mattress. You can find more information about finding the right mattress for you by going to bettersleep.org. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Have you ever heard of Ayurveda? Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medical system that relies on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. 

This week Catching Zzz’s, we bring on Better Sleep Council representative and Ayurvedic practitioner Lissa Coffey to talk about this ancient practice and how it can help you sleep better. 

During our conversation, Lissa shares insights from her extensive knowledge, breaking down how the five elements of nature influence our unique mind-body types or doshas. She shares her understanding on how your dosha can guide you in making lifestyle adjustments for better health, happiness, and most importantly, restful sleep. Tune in for an enlightening discussion and learn how to harness the wisdom of this age-old science for modern-day benefits. 

You can view full show notes and more at https://bettersleep.org/blog 

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council 

International Sleep Products Association

Follow Better Sleep Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube