In this bite-sized episode, we're diving into the big idea that better sleep doesn't always require more time—sometimes, it's about letting go of the pressure to sleep perfectly. Nurse Practitioner Ellen Wermter shares the perspective that while good habits and a restful environment matter, chasing after sleep can actually cause more harm than good.

Full interview with Ellen: Mastering Your Internal Clock: Optimizing Sleep and Health With Circadian Rhythm Insights with Ellen Wermter & Mary Helen Rogers

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's! I'm Brittney Lynn, producer of the Catching Zzz's podcast and Better Sleep Council representative and this week I'm interviewing Sarah Pelc Graca who is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, nutrition coach, and founder of Strong with Sarah. Sarah helps her clients lose weight, build confidence, and feel energized while still enjoying wine, chocolate, and social life in moderation.

During our conversation, Sarah shares why getting quality rest goes far beyond feeling refreshed—it directly impacts our hunger hormones, daily movement, and even the choices we make around food.

From diving into the biological effects of sleep deprivation on hormones, to practical advice you can use when sick or navigating today's "food everywhere" culture, this episode is packed with tips and real-life wisdom for anyone looking to lose weight or simply live healthier—without extreme diets or rigid restriction.

Whether you're in the early stages of a health journey or just curious about why sleep really matters, this conversation will help you rethink your nightly routine and its ripple effects throughout your day.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's. This week, we have sleep expert, Better Sleep Council representative, and Registered Nurse Terry Cralle back for a holiday-themed episode centered around giving yourself and others the best gift of all, the gift of sleep.

During our conversation, we talk about overcoming sleep guilt and transforming bedtime routines for kids and adults. We discuss how prioritizing rest can dramatically improve your mood, productivity and overall health, as well as practical tips for creating a cozy sleep environment and how to empower your children to love their bedtime routine.

This episode is packed full of ideas to help everyone celebrate the season, feeling refreshed and well rested. Tune in, recharge, and resolve to make sleep your superpower in the year ahead.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's! It's Lissa Coffey back again in the host seat.

Today, I'm sitting down again with Marriage and Family Therapist Emma Ekum and we are discussing the fascinating world of lucid dreaming. This topic came up during our previous episode all about dreaming and we felt like it deserved its own episode, as there is a lot to discuss!

During our conversation, we discuss what lucid dreaming actually is, why some people can become aware within their dreams—and even control them—and how this unique state of consciousness can be both magical and practical.

Emma explains the science behind lucid dreaming, from prefrontal cortex self-awareness to connections with practices like mindfulness, meditation, and even video gaming.

We also explore who might benefit most from lucid dreaming—and who should approach it with caution.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's, I'm Mary Helen Rogers and I'm your host for this episode. Today, we're going beyond the mattress and speaking with the founders of Dryft Sleep, Jess Windell and Lindsey Rosenberg, the wellness brand making sleep the ultimate form of self-care.

During our conversation, Jess and Lindsey share their personal journeys and how they got started in the sleep space, their perspectives on sleep wellness, and how products like medical-grade mouth tape, magnesium spray, and silicone earplugs can make a meaningful difference in your nightly routine.

Whether you're a sleep industry insider or simply someone seeking more restful nights, this episode encourages you to think holistically about your sleep environment.

Get ready for tips on evaluating your sleep hygiene, creating personalized routines for yourself and your family, and picking the right products to transform your "lotion and potion hour" into true self-care.

You can find more information about Jess, Lindsey, and the Better Sleep Council at bettersleep.org.

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

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Our guest today is Jeannie Baldomero who is a mentor to moms with teen girls, author, and the host of the Raising Her Confidently podcast.

We explore the challenges and rewards of parenting teens in today's hyper-connected world and why sleep is the ultimate foundation for teen physical and emotional growth.

Jeannie shares thoughtful insights from her own journey, her work empowering mothers to foster open communication with their daughters, and the real-life struggles teens face balancing academic, social, and extracurricular pressures.

We discuss actionable strategies for building trust, modeling healthy habits—including sleep routines—and navigating technology in a way that supports rather than disrupts teen wellness.

Whether you're a parent or simply curious about how today's teens tick, this conversation is packed with honest reflections to help families move from surviving to thriving—starting with a good night's sleep.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's! I'm Mary Helen Rogers of the Better Sleep Council.

In this episode, we have Dr. Cindy Howard, who is a board-certified chiropractic internist, nutritionist, and author of the book Positively Altered: Finding Happiness at the Bottom of a Chemo Bag.

We're talking about the intricate connections between gut health, nutrition, sleep quality, and even the power of mindset in the face of life's toughest challenges.

Whether you feel overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of wellness advice or questioned the real impact of your food choices on mood, energy, and sleep, this conversation is packed with practical advice and empowering insights.

Dr. Howard explains why gut health truly is at the core of everything, why the idea of "convenience" might be holding us back from true wellness, and how small, sustainable changes can make a huge difference.

Plus, she opens up about her own journey walking through a cancer diagnosis, the importance of taking control—whether of your health, your mindset, or even your medical team—and the actionable steps you can take right now for better sleep and a healthier gut.

If you're ready to challenge your habits, reclaim your well-being, and be inspired by a fresh perspective on preventive health, you won't want to miss this episode.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's! Mary Helen Rogers here, back in the host seat, and today we have on Dr. Heather Collins, who is a cognitive neuroscientist who shows people how to future-proof their brains in an era of constant change and uncertainty as well as Ivy Gustafson, who helps leaders clarify their message, sharpen their keynote presentations, and build practices that drive impact.

We dive into the powerful connection between brain health and sleep, sharing insights that blend science, practical strategies, and real-life experience.

Dr. Collins shares her expertise on how our brains learn, remember, and thrive, emphasizing why sleep is essential—not just for day-to-day functioning, but for long-term cognitive health. Ivy reflects on her own journey of balancing high achievement with the need for rest, uncovering how prioritizing sleep can fuel creativity, clarity, and lasting professional success.

From the importance of lifelong learning and micro-rests to the science behind blueberries and fish oil, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Tune in to discover how building better sleep routines leads to building a better brain…and, ultimately, a better life.

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's. It's Lissa Coffey back again in the host seat, and today, I sit down with marriage and family therapist Emma Ekum again, where we dive into the fascinating world of dreams and dream interpretation

Emma was previously a guest on past episodes where we discussed navigating sleep at every age (Part 1, Part 2), as well as how cognitive behavioral therapy can help you sleep better.

During this conversation with Emma, we explore why we dream and how dreams can offer us insight into our subconscious and help us process emotions. We unravel the mysteries behind common dream themes like flying, falling, losing teeth, test anxiety, and even those moments when you find yourself naked in public. We also cover the difference between nightmares and night terrors.

You'll also get practical tips on remembering your dreams and using a dream journal to better understand yourself. Whether you're a vivid dreamer, a restless sleeper, or simply curious about what's happening in your head while you snooze, this episode is packed with helpful information.

You can find more information about Emma and the Better Sleep Council at bettersleep.org. Let's dive in!

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

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's, the podcast from the Better Sleep Council where we explore everything you need to know about getting your best night's sleep. I'm this week's host, Mary Helen Rogers.

Today we're doing a bit of a different episode. Recently, I had the chance to visit Nate Cangemi, owner of Golden Dreams Mattress, a private mattress shopping store in Carlsbad, California.

We were able to record in person and went through his entire process of what it's like to shop at his store and buy a new mattress. He calls it the refined mattress-buying experience.

For some people, mattress shopping can feel overwhelming — but what if it could be a comfortable, private experience tailored just for you?

Nate is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to shop for a mattress in a one-on-one setting, without the crowds or the pressure. We'll talk about how to test beds the right way, what to expect during the adjustment period to a new mattress, and how to set yourself up for better sleep from the very first night.

So whether you're thinking about replacing your mattress soon, or just curious about how private mattress shopping works, you won't want to miss this episode.

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

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Better Sleep Council

International Sleep Products Association

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