Why I started taking sleep seriously
As summer winds down, I’ve been reflecting on a personal experience that changed the course of my health and my practice. It’s a story that taught me some powerful lessons about healing and recovery—and I believe it could offer something valuable for you as well.
A Wake-Up Call About Sleep
Back in August 2023, I found myself in the ER after what I thought was a panic attack. My heart was racing, blood pressure was sky-high, and I was left with a lot of questions. Thankfully, it wasn’t a heart attack, and there was no lasting damage. But that day became a turning point for me.
When I looked honestly at my daily routine, I realized how much I was neglecting sleep—and how my daytime choices were making things worse. That began my deep dive into sleep hygiene and recovery.
What I Learned (and Changed)
I discovered Dr. Andrew Huberman’s work and started following his practical protocols. The biggest shift? I stopped drinking alcohol, realizing how much it was disrupting my sleep. I also began finishing meals 2–3 hours before bed and made getting morning sunlight a priority to support my circadian rhythm.
Most recently, I came across some powerful insights from Dr. Paul Saladino. He emphasizes reducing light exposure in the evenings, sleeping in a cooler room, and—something I had overlooked—ventilating the bedroom to avoid CO₂ buildup. That last discovery was eye-opening: despite following the other sleep practices, I was still waking up groggy. Once I improved ventilation, my mornings became noticeably clearer and more energized.
What I See in My Practice
One of the most common things I notice: clients who come in with neck, shoulder, lower back, or joint pain often tell me they sleep soundly after a session. Pain is a major (and often overlooked) sleep disruptor. If pain is waking you up, it’s worth addressing it quickly—because poor sleep compounds into fatigue, slower metabolism, mood struggles, and decreased performance.
I’d Love to Hear From You
Has sleep been a struggle for you? If you’ve noticed pain keeping you up at night, or if you’ve made changes to your sleep routine that have helped, I’d love to hear your story. Your experiences help me refine my approach and better support our community.
Ready for Support?
If pain is part of your sleep challenge, I invite you to schedule a session and we can work together to resolve it. There’s nothing like waking up after a restorative night’s sleep—your body and mind will thank you.
Practical Self-Care Reminders
Notice how your daily habits (alcohol, late meals, screen time) affect your sleep. Small changes can have a big impact.
Try to finish eating 2–3 hours before bed and get some morning sunlight to reset your body’s natural rhythms.
Check your sleeping environment—ventilate your room, and consider minerals and hydration as part of your evening routine.
Listen to your body—if pain is waking you up, let’s address it together.