In this episode, Ryan speaks with Jeanine Klotzkin, LPC, LCAT, a therapist and sleep coach who has helped countless clients break free from years of emotional and sleep struggles. Together, they discuss why sleep is one of the most overlooked keys to emotional resilience, how anxiety, depression, and trauma can profoundly disrupt sleep, and why the reverse is also true. They also explore the differences between psychologically rooted insomnia and other sleep disorders, share a powerful case study of someone who found relief after years of frustration, and explain why deep sleep plays such a critical role in accelerating emotional healing. Jeanine also offers one important mindset shift to embrace when beginning therapy. Her approach blends evidence-based sleep coaching with more than three decades of therapeutic experience, bridging the gap where traditional methods often fall short.

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► Website: remreward.org

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In this episode of REM Reward, Ryan dives into the mysteries of slumber with Wendy Bjazevich. They explore what sparked her passion for explaining sleep to kids, how she artfully balanced real science with fun storytelling, and the four stages of sleep broken down in terms that kids – and parents – will easily understand. Wendy shares why sleep is especially vital for children’s mood, learning, growth, and behavior, and reveals some of the biggest unanswered questions scientists still face about sleep. Along the way, she’ll surprise listeners with a little‑known fact about what happens in our bodies during slumber, and help parents recognize sleep disorders in kids, offering insights on issues like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Wendy also takes us on a global journey, sharing interesting bedtime traditions and unusual sleeping arrangements from around the world. She reflects on the most surprising or fun sleep-related discovery she uncovered while researching her book, and leaves us with straightforward bedtime tips and routines for better nights. Her hope? That listeners leave with one key takeaway that truly matters.

BOOK LINKS FROM WENDY:

Bushel and Peck Books Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of Slumber

Amazon Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of Slumber

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In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sarah Elizabeth: a high-end interior design firm located in Montclair NJ, creating effortless elegance one home at a time with 16 years in the industry. They explore how intentional bedroom design can dramatically improve sleep quality, discuss science-backed strategies for creating a restful sanctuary, from optimal furniture layouts and color psychology to lighting solutions and material choices. Sarah shares her expert tips on avoiding common design mistakes that unknowingly disrupt sleep, selecting calming color palettes, and incorporating natural elements for relaxation. The conversation also covers practical budget-friendly upgrades, how to thoughtfully integrate technology, and which design trends truly support wellness. Whether you're looking for a full bedroom redesign or simple tweaks to enhance your sleep environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your space into a sleep-promoting retreat.

Links:

Website: sarah-elizabethdesign.com

Connect with REM Reward:

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► Instagram: @rem_reward

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this special episode, Ryan talks with Ashley Ring, Youth Consultant at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) and Prevent Suicide New Jersey. As a psychology student and mental health advocate, Ashley brings expertise in youth suicide prevention and neurodivergent sleep challenges. Together, they examine the critical connection between sleep deprivation and mental health crises in young people, share tailored strategies for neurodivergent individuals (including those with ADHD and autism), and discuss NJAAP's statewide initiatives to promote accessible mental health resources.

Funding Acknowledgement: This program is supported by the New Jersey Department of Health and SAMHSA's Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

Connect with Our Guests:

• Prevent Suicide New Jersey: preventsuicidenj.org

  
  

• NJAAP: njaap.org

  
  

Crisis Resources:

• 988lifeline.org

• preventsuicidenj.org

Connect with REM Reward:

► Website: remreward.org

► Instagram: @rem_reward

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In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Meeta Singh, a renowned sleep psychiatrist and performance specialist. With dual expertise in medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Singh has worked with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and Olympic teams, as well as top business executives, to optimize their sleep for peak performance. Ryan and Dr. Singh explore critical topics including sleep's impact on mental and physical performance, strategies for high-pressure environments, overcoming travel-related sleep disruptions, and the surprising connections between sleep, immunity, and injury recovery. Discover science-backed techniques to enhance your rest and performance - and don't forget to explore our website for more resources on mastering your sleep!

Check out Dr. Singh!

- Meeta Singh MD

- Instagram

Connect with REM Reward:

► Website: remreward.org

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, host Ryan Shintani sits down with Dr. Craig Harris Richard, a University Professor specializing in physiology with a research focus on ASMR. They talk about Dr. Richard’s journey in creating the Sleep Whispers podcast, which aims to help listeners relax and fall asleep with soothing whispers and gentle sounds. Dr. Richard discusses the creative process behind his episodes, including his unique approach to storytelling and how ASMR is used as a tool for relaxation. Tune in to hear how his work is reshaping the way we understand the power of whispers and sleep.

LINKS:

Sleep Whispers Podcast

Silk Podcasts

ASMR University

Brain Tingles (book)

TED Talk - AMSR: The Whispered Revolution of Relaxation

Connect with REM Reward:

► Website: remreward.org

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In Episode 17, Ryan is joined by Dr. Anita Shelgikar and Melissa Clark to explore the history, research, and advocacy efforts of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and how the organization continues to shape the field of sleep medicine today.

Dr. Shelgikar, Immediate Past President of the AASM Foundation, breaks down the latest sleep research, how the AASM funds groundbreaking studies, and what recent discoveries are changing the way we understand sleep health. Melissa Clark, Director of Advocacy and Public Awareness at the AASM, discusses the AASM’s founding in 1975, the challenges it overcame, and its ongoing work to influence public policy and expand access to sleep care.

This episode dives into the connections between sleep research, healthcare policy, and patient care, highlighting how the AASM drives innovation in sleep medicine and what the future of the field looks like. Whether you're interested in scientific advancements, sleep advocacy, or how policy shapes sleep health, this episode has something for you!

Links from AASM:

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In Episode 16, Ryan is joined by Dr. Erica Jansen from the University of Michigan, an expert in nutritional epidemiology and sleep science. Together, they delve into the fascinating connections between sleep, diet, and health. Dr. Jansen shares her groundbreaking research on how sleep patterns influence health outcomes like weight and metabolism, and how what we eat can, in turn, affect our sleep quality.

Topics include the role of consistent sleep and eating habits, the surprising links between diet and puberty timing, and how circadian rhythms impact our body’s internal clock. Dr. Jansen also offers practical advice for teens looking to improve their sleep and diet, highlighting the importance of balance and consistency.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that connects two key pillars of health—sleep and nutrition—and how they shape our well-being.

Links with Dr. Jansen!

What’s the best diet for healthy sleep? A nutritional epidemiologist explains what food choices will help you get more restful z’s (theconversation.com)

8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep | TIME

Connect with REM Reward:

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan Shintani is joined by Dr. Jennifer L. Martin to explore the powerful role sleep plays in public health and individual well-being. They discuss the impact of sleep on chronic diseases, the effectiveness of CBT-I, and the public policy issues shaping sleep health, such as school start times and daylight savings time. Dr. Martin shares actionable insights from her work with veterans and her groundbreaking research on the connection between sleep and overall health.

Connect with REM Reward:

► Website: remreward.org

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Lauren Ziegler, a certified sleep coach and yoga therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field. Lauren shares her personal journey from facing sleep challenges to becoming a guiding light for those struggling with insomnia. We delve into common misconceptions about sleep, the intricate relationship between sleep and mental health, and practical strategies to enhance sleep quality. Lauren also offers insights into the roles of diet, exercise, and technology in sleep patterns, and discusses the effectiveness of sleep aids like melatonin. Whether you're battling sleepless nights or seeking to optimize your rest, this conversation provides valuable guidance to help you achieve restorative sleep.

Links:

https://www.laurenziegler.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laurenthesleepguide

https://www.youtube.com/@sleepguide

Connect with REM Reward:

► Website: remreward.org

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For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.