Things That Keep Us Up At Night

By Abby DesJardien

Scene: Lying in bed, eyes wide open and brain on loop with all sorts of stories you’re telling yourself. You are up too late, have to get up too early, and don’t get enough sleep. That’s no way to liv... more

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FAQs about Things That Keep Us Up At Night:

How many episodes does Things That Keep Us Up At Night have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.

Things That Keep Us Up At Night episodes:

November 27, 202016: This Is Your First Step To Better Sleep
The What Is Your First Step to Better Sleep? quiz is for those of you who know that you need better sleep but you are overwhelmed by all of the information out there.
Based on your answers, you’ll be put onto one of five pathways to better sleep and get subsequent action steps to get started on your journey.
Modify Your Mindset. Your sleep mindset is the collection of beliefs and feelings you have about sleep. It’s shaped by life circumstances and society’s messages about the importance of work and the unimportance of sleep.

Refine Your Routine. What you do (or don’t do) and when you do it throughout the day can catch up with you when it’s time to get into bed.

Subdue Your Stress. Many of us function in a near constant state of fight, flight or freeze. In order to help our bodies leave the fight, flight or freeze state, we need to complete the stress cycle. Stress is inevitable and even necessary. It’s how we process/deal with it that makes the difference.

Build Your Sleep Sanctuary. Your sleep environment plays a key role in your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. The lighting, temperature, noise, decor, and furniture in your bedroom may be standing between you and a good night’s sleep.

See a Sleep Medicine Doctor. The doctor will determine if you have a sleep disorder that needs treatment and then make a treatment plan to address your challenges. Many struggles with sleep can be addressed by making small shifts to our mindset, behavior, and environment. However, sleep disorders can be dangerous if left unaddressed over long periods of time.
The first step is going to vary, depending on what your individual challenges are. But there is a path for everyone.
Take the quiz here.
This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apple’s Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
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10min
November 24, 2020 15: So That’s How I was Born and Other Reasons Why People Have Sex {Part 1} with Amy Lang
*DISCLAIMER - THIS EPISODE TALKS ABOUT SEX~ LISTENER'S DISCRETION ADVISED*
This conversation with Amy Lang was so packed with wisdom and golden nuggets of truth we had to break it up into two different parts! This is part 1! Buckle up and join us as we talk to Amy Lang who even though she was a sexuality educator, was terrified and woefully unprepared, to talk to her son about “the sex talk”. This led her to find her calling: teaching parents to talk to their children about the birds and the bees.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why 37,000 studies all say that talking to your kids about sex helps them have a healthier view of sexuality
How to have conversations with your children in different stages of their lives
What to say when your child asks “What’s a BJ”?
Where can you find Amy:
Website: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsbeeskids
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOXz2W3cq8F71MslLXn8apA
Podcast: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com/category/podcast/
Recommended Books:
https://birdsandbeesandkids.com/sex-education-books/amy-lang/
It's Not The Stork
It's Perfectly Normal
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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
22min
November 20, 2020 14: Chronotype Envy, Work Schedules, and Demanding Change
Before you listen, I want to recognize that not everyone has the ability to create their own schedule or work from home but you can still make small changes towards better sleep. Next week I will be introducing a new resource to pinpoint your first steps to better sleep regardless of your work schedule.
In the last episode, I talked all about chronotypes. Chronotypes are the classification of the general timing of your biological clock. For our purposes, it is the programming that exists in each person’s biology that tells them when they should wake up and go to sleep.
There are four main categories:
Bears: majority, wake with the sun and sleep when it gets dark
Lions: wake early, early birds, to bed early
Wolves: aka night owls, sleep in and stay up late)
Dolphins: people with insomnia, struggle to get the recommended amount of sleep and are always tired
Our society was built for the bears. We envy the lions, we judge the wolves, and we shame the dolphins.
I think when we hear these descriptions, it’s easy to identify with one type but wish you were another. Somewhat of a “grass is always greener” scenario. So let’s talk about why this envy exists.
As a society, we have created little room for people to live the lives that are best for their health. We value overworking, sacrifice, and live by the mantras, “Push through the pain.” and “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard." Bill Gates once said, “I never took a day off in my 20s. Not one.”

We need to stop glorifying the leaders who work 20 hours a day, 7 days a week and then expect the same of their employees. Stop glorifying people working so much that they become debilitatingly ill.
There is a decrease in average productivity with increased hours.
Let’s allow people to function on the schedule that matches up with their chronotype so that they’re not fighting their biological programming. Imagine what kind of inspired work someone could produce if they were actually functioning in a way that worked with their body instead of constantly fighting against it.
Things we thought impossible a year ago have been proven possible because we were forced to consider alternatives. This past 9 months has shown us that despite what we’ve been told previously, corporations and systems CAN make drastic changes quickly when the circumstances demand it.
What can you do to create change in your organization or your life?
Resources from the episode:
The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Cunningham

Rest, Renew, & Rise: A Guided Journal for Self-preservation During Uncertain Times. Click here to download.
Want to learn more about how you can work with me? Head to my website.
Do you love what you hear and want to listen to more episodes? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

...more
12min
November 17, 202013: Blood Sugar, Hormones, Behavior and Sleep with Dr. Rachel Yan
Dr. Rachel Yan always knew she was going to be in medicine in some capacity. However, her journey was to holistic healing over western medicine. Dr. Yan DC, NTP, RWP, is a leader in the fields of traditional diets, holistic nutrition, and functional medicine. Join us as we discuss intermittent fasting, menopause, blood sugar and how it all relates to sleep!
In today’s episode you will learn:
Why your body is like a fireplace

What the difference is between hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic

How intermittent fasting plays into your sleep and hormones

Dr. Yan’s before sleep bump
*1-cup of high-quality bone broth & 1-tsp of ghee or grass-fed butter
* Coconut Dessert -
·         1-Tbsp of coconut oil
·         1-tsp of ghee
·         1-peppermint

Where can you find Dr. Rachel Yan
Website: https://www.precisionempoweredhealth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelyan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRachelYan/

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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.

Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!

Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
25min
November 13, 202012: Lions, and Wolves, and Bears...and Dolphins? Oh my!
I first learned about chronotypes in Dr. Michael Breus’ book The Power of When. In his book, he writes about how our bodies are programmed to do certain things at certain times of the day. Eat, sleep, have sex, be creative, get nitty-gritty tasks done, etc. By identifying what category you fall into, you can lead a healthier, happier, life and experience more ease in your day to day tasks.
What’s a chronotype? A chronotype is the classification of the general timing of your biological clock. For our purposes, it is the programming that exists in each person’s biology that tells them when they should wake up and go to sleep.
Unlike our horoscope, our chronotype CAN CHANGE. Most teenagers tend to be wolves, staying up late and sleeping in. This may change when they get into their twenties. It may change again when they become seniors. But, for the 40 years between 20-60 years old, things stay relatively consistent. If you’re looking to get better sleep with ease, improve your productivity, or become more mindful of your habits knowing your chronotype may be the missing link!
There are 4 chronotypes, according to Dr. Michael Breus:
Bears: middle of the road types, people who prefer a solar-based schedule and have a high sleep drive, 50% of the population

Lions: 15-20% of the population, Lions would be tired of hearing “the early bird gets the worm”, but we’re pretty sure they’re the ones that came up with the phrase.

Wolves: 15-20% of the population., formally known as night owls, Wolves are those of us who are most awake, alert, and productive in the evenings.

Dolphins: Make up only 10% of the population. Sleep, who? Dolphins know what it’s like to run off a few hours sleep or wake up to the slightest noise. People with insomnia fall into this category.
Remember with sleep, there is no one, magic bullet. But, making small, incremental changes can make a BIG impact. When you’re not fighting against your biology, those changes are going to be easier to make.
When I talk about listening to your body, this is one way to do that.

As always, there are ideals in life and then there’s the reality. You may HAVE to be up at a certain time for work or to help your kids get ready, but if you can make even just ONE of these changes, you probably see a difference in your experience while you’re awake and how you sleep.
We see life through the lens of how much we slept the night before. If you can shift small things and get more/better sleep, you will start to experience more ease and joy.
RESOURCES:
Book mentioned in the episode: The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus, PhD
Rest, Renew, & Rise: A Guided Journal for Self-preservation During Uncertain Times. Click here to download.

Want to learn more about how you can work with me? Head to my website.

Do you love what you hear and want to listen to more episodes? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
...more
20min
November 10, 202011: Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should with Gina Catalano
Gina Catalano really enjoys the “Start Up Life”. As she rents her service as a fractional CEO, she is the Swiss Army Knife for small businesses – always there when you need her! Gina helps businesses accelerate their visions so the entrepreneur can focus on their best skills and get rid of stuff they no longer want to do.
What you will learn in today's episode:
Why “Doing It All” is harming your business

The importance of getting clear on the WHAT vs. the HOW

Knowing when you need a COO
Where can you find Gina?
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/ginamcatalano
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.buildgrowexit.com/
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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
23min
November 06, 202010: Rest, Renew, & Rise: Self-preservation In Uncertain Times
In today's episode we talk about navigating uncertain times: COVID, Election Day, and all of the unknowns that come along with those things. Then, I give you simple, actionable steps to complete the stress cycle and get the stress out of your body.
Honoring conflicting feelings the "both/ands". I would be relieved if Donald Trump were voted out of office. And I am discouraged that we continue to be faced with the fact that a large portion of our country feels that an old white man is the only person qualified to run our country. I'm working hard to hold space for both of those things in myself and in others.

Not all stress is life-threatening these days but our brains have not caught up with our modern day lives. Our brains react the same way to being chased by a lion as they do to getting stuck in traffic, making you late for an appointment.

Completing the stress cycle (adapted from Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking The Stress Cycle.
1) Move your body: Walking, stretching, running, yoga, swimming, dancing. DO WHAT FEELS GOOD!
2) Create: paint, draw color, sculpt, knit, other arts and crafts
3) Laugh: Real, authentic, snorting laughter - watch blooper reels on YouTube, a comedy movie
4) Hugs: 6 seconds starts to change your brain chemistry, 20 seconds is even more beneficial
5) Breathing: 4-7-8 breathing - Inhale for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds
6) Writing: Journaling helps you get all of your feelings out of your body/brain and down onto the paper. This is extremely helpful in processing your feelings in a healthy way. I have created a free resource for you: Rest, Renew, & Rise: A Guided Journal for Self-preservation During Uncertain Times. Click here to download.

Make sleep a priority. It may be harder to sleep when you're stressed so here are a few things to remember:
1) Your body may need more rest during times of stress/trauma. If you normally need 7 hours, you may need more than that
2) Try to keep a consistent sleep/wake schedule
3) Move your body
4) No caffeine after lunch. Try a big glass of water and a walk outside instead.
5) Limit alcohol because it can increase anxiety and decrease your sleep quality
6) Get some daylight early in the day. It helps regulate hormone production throughout the day.

Be Intentional With Your News Intake. Pick 1-2 reliable sources. Decide when you will check them each day. Then, log off.

DENIAL AND DISTRACTION CAN BE USEFUL TOOLS. Sometimes, the best thing for our brains is to check out until we're better equipped to process what's going on. BE KIND TO YOURSELF. If you need to binge Netflix, eat ice cream, collapse on the floor and cry, that's okay.
RESOURCES:
Rest, Renew, & Rise: A Guided Journal for Self-preservation During Uncertain Times. Click here to download.
Want to learn more about how you can work with me? Head to my website.
Do you love what you hear and want to listen to more episodes? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
...more
20min
November 03, 20209: Consciously in Love with Cannabis with Amandine Ayala
Amandine Ayala was in a corporate career where she found herself consumed and overwhelmed by pressure. She decided to look within and find her passion. She found it in a plant: a cannabis plant!
Join us and learn:
How Amsterdam views cannabis culture

What Amandine’s mission is for entrepreneurs

The racist roots of the word “Marijuana”

Why low and slow is the best way to go
Where can you find Amandine:
Website: www.bloemetmoi.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bloemetmoi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theConsciousCClub
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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
29min
October 28, 20208: The Cycle of Sleep, Nutrition, and Mindset with Dr. Naieema Jackson
Naieema Jackson, Ph.D, RN had to learn how to navigate through her nutritional journey as she dealt with polycystic ovary syndrome. She also was tired of seeing women who were in their 30s, 40s and 50s hospitalized from diabetes, heart disease and cancer because of their lack of understanding of true nutrition. Dr. Jackson took her knowledge and education and created "Mindset and Nutrition for Her"!
Join us as we learn from this nutritionista:
Why your coffee with extra cream and extra sugar is an indicator of a restless night

How impulse is related to nutrition and sleep

Which is healthier: an apple or pizza?
Where can you find Naieema?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NaieematheNutritionista
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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
*Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
*Check out my website and see how we can work together
*Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
28min
October 21, 20207: Nerding out on Sleep with Marissa Axxel
What happens to some pool swimmers 🏊🏽‍♀️when their swimming career has concluded? They turn into triathletes! Today’s guest is Marissa Axell, Collegiate Athlete, Elite cyclist, and owner of AXN Fitness and Coaching. Luckily, Marissa got involved in a cycle club in San Francisco and found a community of wonderful people. However, she did not want people to fall into cycling by luck. She wanted cycling to be available to everyone.
In today’s episode you will learn:
How sleep and recovery go hand and hand

Why Marissa "nerds out" on sleep

How alcohol affected her because of her concussion
Recommendations apps for Meditation and Breathwork:
Headspace

Calm

Or type in “Breathwork exercises” in your app store
Where can you find Marissa?
Website: https://www.axnfitnessandcoaching.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axellrocks or www.instagram.com/axnfitcoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axnfitcoach
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This episode is sponsored by The Sleep Society! Join the Sleep Society where you can find tips and tricks to winding down.
Let me know what you think about this episode and:
😴 Connect with me on Instagram at @abbydesjardien
😴 Check out my website and see how we can work together
😴 Subscribe to "Things That Keep Us Up at Night" here!
Loving 💗 what you are hearing at Things That Keep You Up at Night!? Have you found some tips to help you sleep better? Make sure you subscribe and leave a 5 STAR – Review at Apples Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Song Credits: I Can't Sleep by My My Snake Eyes feat. Red Red Revision
...more
27min

FAQs about Things That Keep Us Up At Night:

How many episodes does Things That Keep Us Up At Night have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.