Sleep is something most of us take for granted… until we’re not getting enough of it.

In this episode of the Valor & Vision Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Benjamin Long, a dual board-certified sleep physician and pediatrician, to have a fascinating conversation about sleep, health, parenting, and faith.

Dr. Long has a unique perspective because he combines his medical expertise with a strong theological background, and we explore how faith and science don’t have to compete — they can actually complement each other. We talk about how modern culture often gets sleep completely wrong, either undervaluing it or idolizing it, when in reality it’s something God designed as a gift for restoration and renewal.

We dive into the science behind sleep, including how it affects memory, mental health, and overall physical well-being. Dr. Long also shares insights on how sleep changes as we age, the impact screens and light exposure have on melatonin, and why building the right bedtime environment matters more than most people realize.

For parents, this episode is especially helpful. We discuss healthy sleep habits for children, why comparing your child’s sleep to others can be misleading, and how both behavioral and biological factors influence sleep training.

Beyond the science, we also talk about the spiritual side of rest — how sleep reflects our trust in God and reminds us that we were never meant to carry the weight of life on our own.

If you want to improve your sleep, understand your body better, or learn how to help your kids develop healthy sleep habits, this conversation will give you practical wisdom and a deeper appreciation for how God designed us to live.

Connect with Dr. Benjamin Long

Benjamin Long's Website

Book: https://www.SleepHabitsJournal.com/

Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholeheartedmd/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholeheartedmd

Substack: https://benjaminlongmd.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Benjamin Long

03:05 Dr. Long's Early Life and Influences

07:26 Faith, Doubts, and the Journey to Medicine

11:11 Integrating Faith and Medicine

16:13 The Importance of Sleep in Health

19:38 Understanding Sleep: Science and Myths

25:03 The Impact of Sleep on the Brain

26:42 The Napping Dilemma

30:07 Age and Sleep Patterns

34:17 Sleep Training and Parenting

39:54 Sleep Associations and Conditions

43:45 The Impact of Screens on Sleep

48:19 The Intersection of Theology and Sleep

51:22 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

52:38 Bridging Medicine and Faith

55:20 The Gift of Sleep in Scripture

58:25 The Importance of Vigilance and Watching

01:00:51 Practicing Faith Through Physical Posture

01:04:22 Balancing Work and Rest

01:07:43 Practical Tips for Better Sleep

01:16:47 ending credits VV.mp4

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