In this bite-sized episode, Marriage and Family Therapist Emma Ekum shares how modeling good habits is one of the ways you can teach kids about the importance of sleep. Habits like wind-down rituals, storytime and screen-free evenings are discussed as well as why it's important to establish a consistent bedtime tailored to each of your child's needs.

Full interview with Emma Ekum: Navigating Sleep at Every Age – From Newborns to College Students with Lissa Coffey & Emma Ekum [Part 1]

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Welcome back to Catching Zzz's! Brittney Lynn here, back in the host chair interviewing this week's guest, Crosby Noricks who is a San Diego-based somatic adviser.

If you've ever struggled to quiet your mind at night or find yourself feeling disconnected from your body, this conversation is definitely one to listen to. Crosby breaks down what somatics means, offers enlightening analogies about mind-body connection, and explores how the ways we process emotions physically can affect everything from our daily stress levels to our ability to get a good night's sleep.

During our conversation, we talk about why it's so easy to get "stuck in your head," why our society has often ignored the wisdom of the body, and practical tips for building somatic intelligence—even if slowing down or tuning in feels overwhelming at first.

Whether you're curious about new approaches, looking for ways to regulate your nervous system, or just hoping to sleep more soundly, this episode offers guidance and advice for rekindling your connection with your whole self.

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

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In this bite-sized episode, Dr. Kristi Graves shares ways to use your thoughts to redirect anxiety, especially in moments like waking up with racing thoughts in the middle of the night. She also explains practices like autogenic training, which combines muscle relaxation and mindful breathing to strengthen the mind-body connection.

Full interview with Dr. Kristi Graves: Rest, Resilience, and Recovery: Sleep's Role in Cancer Wellness with Dr. Kristi Graves, Elissa Kalver, & Mary Helen Rogers

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Shopping for a new mattress can be an overwhelming experience, to say the least. That's why we've invited Mike Magnuson to join us this week. Mike is the founder of GoodBed.com, an independent consumer review platform and trusted mattress information resource.

GoodBed.com is the only mattress information website that combines comprehensive scientific product testing, the largest independent collection of consumer mattress reviews with nearly 700,000 to date, and a highly personalized approach to mattress guidance.

In this episode, we are going to dig into the real challenges consumers face when choosing a mattress and why this big-ticket purchase is so personal and important.

From navigating a wide range of options to understanding key factors like fit, feel, and features—the famous 3 Fs—Mike shares practical, down-to-earth advice to help shoppers make smarter, more confident decisions.

We also talk about the pitfalls of relying too heavily on online reviews, how easy return policies shape buying behavior, and why unbiased scientific testing plays such an important role in today's marketplace.

Whether you're buying your first mattress, deep into research mode, or simply looking for tips to sleep better, this episode offers insights to help you cut through the noise, do your homework, and confidently find the bed that's right for you.

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

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Better Sleep Council

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In this bite-sized episode, we're discussing the real risks of drowsy driving, highlighting how even everyday tricks like rolling down your window or turning up the radio can't stop the biology of sleep from taking over. Registered Nurse Terry Cralle shares the dangers of drowsy driving and what a microsleep is.

Full interview with Terry: Distracted Driving & Sleep Deprivation with Registered Nurse Terry Cralle & Mary Helen Rogers

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This week, we have Better Sleep Council representative and Family Nurse Practitioner Ellen Wermter. Ellen's been on in the past discussing the circadian rhythm.

Today's conversation we're talking all about menopause. Ellen breaks down the difference between perimenopause and menopause, explains the roller coaster of symptoms women may experience—from hot flashes and irritability to sleep disruption and brain fog—and reveals why these changes are so unpredictable.

We'll unpack why sleep becomes so elusive during this transition, the real impact of fluctuating hormones, and the surprising role of things like your mattress, bedroom environment, and even your support system.

Ellen shares practical advice on managing anxiety, evaluating supplements, and how lifestyle tweaks (think: exercise, protein, stress management) can make a real difference.

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

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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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Better Sleep Council

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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

Quick Links:

Better Sleep Council

International Sleep Products Association

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