"Your body already knows how to sleep—you just need to remind your nervous system how to let go."- Kylie Buckner, RN
Show Description:
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll show you how to activate your parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “calm switch”—to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and invite restorative sleep. You’ll learn simple, science‑backed tools like mindful breathing, grounding rituals, and sensory cues that bring you out of your head and back into your body.
From cutting off caffeine at the right time to creating mindful moments with aromatherapy and music, these are the exact strategies I use every day to support my own anxiety, improve sleep quality, and wake up refreshed.
This episode is perfect for you if:
✓ You struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep
✓ Your mind races with worry and "what-ifs"
✓ You feel constantly "on edge" or overwhelmed
✓ You want natural, science-backed tools for managing stress
✓ You're tired of relying on medications or quick fixes
✓ You want to feel more present and grounded in your daily life
Hit play and discover how to reclaim peaceful nights and calmer days, starting tonight. 🌙✨
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References & Resources
Scientific Research & Books
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk - Excellent on trauma, nervous system, and body-based healing"Waking the Tiger" by Peter Levine - Foundational work on nervous system regulation"The Polyvagal Theory" by Stephen Porges - The science behind vagus nerve and parasympathetic activation"Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker - Comprehensive research on sleep and nervous system recovery"Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor - Deep dive into breathing techniquesJournal of Clinical Medicine (2019) - "Effects of Parasympathetic Activation on Cortisol Levels"Frontiers in Psychology (2018) - "Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Mental Health"Sleep Medicine Reviews (2020) - "Autonomic Nervous System and Sleep Quality"Breathing & Meditation Apps:
Insight Timer - Free meditation app with parasympathetic-focused sessionsBreathe (iOS) - Simple breathing exercise remindersCalm - Sleep stories and breathing exercisesHeadspace - Guided meditations for anxiety and sleepSleep Tracking:
Sleep Cycle - Tracks sleep patterns and nervous system recoveryOura Ring - Monitors heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of parasympathetic functionAromatherapy & Sensory Resources
Essential Oil Companies:
Plant Therapy - High-quality, affordable essential oilsRocky Mountain Oils - Therapeutic-grade oils with detailed usage guidesAura Cacia - Accessible aromatherapy products available in most health storesSpecific Calming Scents to Look For:
Lavender (most researched for anxiety/sleep)Bergamot (reduces cortisol)Chamomile (promotes relaxation)Sandalwood (grounding and calming)Ylang-ylang (reduces heart rate)Grounding & Earthing Resources
"Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" by Clinton OberResearch from Journal of Environmental and Public Health on earthing benefitsEarthing.com - Grounding mats and sheets for indoor useUltimate Longevity - Grounding products with scientific backingMusic & Sound Therapy
Spotify/Apple Music Playlists: Search "parasympathetic activation," "vagus nerve music," or "528 Hz healing""Meditative Mind" - Healing frequencies"The Honest Guys" - Guided relaxations"Jason Stephenson" - Sleep meditations528 Hz (DNA repair frequency)432 Hz (natural harmonic)Binaural beats for relaxation (8-10 Hz alpha waves)Cold Therapy Resources
"The Wim Hof Method" by Wim Hof - Breathing and cold exposure techniques"What Doesn't Kill Us" by Scott Carney - Science of cold adaptationWim Hof Method App - Guided breathing and cold exposure protocolsProfessional Resources
Psychology Today - Search for therapists specializing in somatic therapy or nervous system regulationInternational Association of Yoga Therapists - Find certified yoga therapistsSomatic Experiencing International - Trauma-informed nervous system workFree Online Resources
Polyvagal Institute (polyvagalinstitute.org) - Dr. Stephen Porges' researchTrauma Research Foundation - Free resources on nervous system healingGreater Good Science Center (UC Berkeley) - Research-backed wellness practicesYouTube Channels for Techniques:
Sukie Baxter - Whole Body Revolution (nervous system education)Irene Lyon - Nervous system regulation techniquesPeter Levine - Somatic experiencing exercisesSimple Starting Points
Download Insight Timer (free) and search "parasympathetic"Try lavender hand soap from any grocery storeSet phone reminders for 4-7-8 breathing 3x dailySpend 10 minutes barefoot outside dailyDim lights 2 hours before bedFor Those Ready to Go Deeper:
Read "The Body Keeps the Score"Invest in a grounding mat for your workspaceTry a 30-day breathing practice challengeWork with a somatic therapistTrack HRV with an Oura ring or similar device