Sarah hosts Nikko Kennedy on the Evolving Wellness podcast to discuss motherhood, preconception, and sleep, emphasizing how optimizing light and darkness can support polyphasic sleep and help mothers function despite frequent night wakings. Nikko argues modern expectations of consolidated 8-hour sleep and nighttime screen use worsen fatigue, while extended time in dim darkness (often 10–14 hours postpartum) can improve resilience, weight loss, and overall endocrine and metabolic health. They connect sleep to anemia, noting over 90% of new red blood cells come from recycled iron, with inflammation-regulated hepcidin limiting iron use regardless of supplementation; they highlight the roles of mitochondria, liver, spleen, and bone marrow and the need for nighttime darkness. They also touch on community/social cues, dad’s health and placental outcomes, pregnancy blood volume expansion, and mixed experiences with desiccated organ supplements.

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Connect with Nikko:

https://substack.com/@nikkokennedy?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

https://www.instagram.com/brighterdays.darkernights/ 

YOUR COMPLETE SUMMER SUN GUIDE - Free Webinar: https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/webinar-your-summer-sun-guide or Scan the QR code at 01:58 

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Sponsored By:

→ VivaRays | This episode is sponsored by VivaRays - VivaRays Blue - code YOGI https://vivarays.com/

→ Troscriptions | For an exclusive offer, go to https://www.troscriptions.com/SARAHK for 10% off your first non subscription order. 

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Timestamp:

00:00 Coming Up

00:29 Podcast Intro 

03:27 Meet Nikko Kennedy

06:04 Why Nikko Helps Moms

13:52 Polyphasic Sleep Basics

16:26 Postpartum Rest Strategy

17:54 Sleep Is Social Screens

22:22 Handling Pushback Privilege

24:17 Jealousy Online

25:44 Iron Recycling Basics

28:06 Darkness Heals Mitochondria

29:03 Enforced Darkness Protocols

31:18 Sunlight for Postpartum Recovery

35:17 Light and Breastfeeding Gains

36:06 Motherhood Moment Break

37:34 Practice Based Research

39:31 Dad Health and Placenta

41:22 Blood Volume Expansion

42:23 Boring Basics Protocol

42:47 Organ Supplements Debate

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This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!

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Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!

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