Did you know you’ll spend about a third of your life sleeping? At least, that’s the goal, but for most of us, adequate sleep is elusive.

Sleep is one of the most vital pillars of health, yet it’s often overlooked. The truth is, many of us—especially kids and teens—aren’t getting nearly enough rest.

In this episode, I’m joined by a sleep expert to uncover the fascinating science behind sleep and why it’s essential for your well-being. Here’s what we’ll explore:

The science of sleep: What’s really happening in your brain and body?Why sleep matters: How it shapes your physical and emotional health. The barriers to good sleep: What’s stealing your Zzz’s—and how to fight back. Protecting young sleepers: Why kids and teens need sleep more than ever, and how parents can help.

This episode is your wake-up call to prioritize better sleep—for you and your family.

Coming up in the next episode of the series: I’ll dive into the frustrating condition of insomnia and explore how to address it using a powerful approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Don’t miss it!

How to Listen:

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About my guest: Dr. Cara Palmer is an Associate Professor at Montana State University in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Palmer is the director of the Sleep and Development Lab and the co-director of the MSU Sleep Research Lab. Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, Dr. Palmer was research faculty at the University of Houston within the Department of Psychology and the Texas Institute of Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics. She completed her doctoral training in Developmental Psychology at West Virginia University, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology and Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Houston. Dr. Palmer has received numerous awards and grants for her research from organizations including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Sleep Research Society, and the World Sleep Society.

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