Description

In this conversation, host Neo Morapedi discusses insomnia with sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan. They explore the fear of not sleeping and how it perpetuates insomnia. Tracy shares her personal experience with insomnia and how she overcame it. They debunk common myths about sleep, such as the need for eight hours of sleep and the effectiveness of sleep hygiene. Tracy emphasizes the importance of consistent wake-up times and avoiding excessive monitoring of sleep. They also discuss the impact of alcohol and herbal teas on sleep. The conversation concludes with tips for improving sleep and the influence of exercise on sleep patterns. The conversation with Tracy Hannigan covers various aspects of sleep, including changes in sleep patterns with age, debunking myths about sleep in older adults, and advice for combating insomnia.Takeaways

• Sleep patterns change as we age, with a decrease in deep sleep and a shift in our internal clock to becoming earlier.
• Older adults may have disrupted sleep patterns due to health conditions, changes in social life, and circadian rhythm disruptions.
• Tracy Hannigan can be found on her website and various social media platforms as Tracy the Sleep Coach.
• To combat insomnia, it is important to drop the struggle and fear of not sleeping, build sleep confidence through activities like exercise, and establish a consistent wake-up time.