How can you fall asleep faster? What causes insomnia? Why does jet lag disrupt your sleep? And how do you know when difficulty sleeping is something to be concerned about?
In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Jessica Fink, LCSW, about sleep health, insomnia, circadian rhythms, and sleep disruptions.
Jessica Fink is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in helping adults understand insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and other sleep issues using evidence-based Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep, waking up during the night, dealing with an inconsistent sleep schedule, or adjusting to jet lag, this episode explains how sleep drive and circadian rhythm work together and what you can do to support better sleep.
We also discuss melatonin, how many hours of sleep you actually need, why being a night owl isn't necessarily unhealthy, the difference between feeling tired and feeling sleepy, and when insomnia or other sleep disruptions may need professional support.
Find Jessica Fink at: https://www.youtube.com/@JessicaFinkSleep
Find a behavioral sleep practitioner: SBSM Directory - https://www.behavioralsleep.org/
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:10 What Does Healthy Sleep Look Like?
08:19 What Helps With Insomnia and Difficulty Sleeping?
12:55 How Sleep Drive Affects Your Circadian Rhythm
17:30 Is Jet Lag More Than Just Being Tired?
29:46 How Does Melatonin Affect Sleep?
33:07 How Much Melatonin Is Actually Helpful?
34:30 What Does Melatonin Help With?
37:43 Is Insomnia Just Difficulty Falling Asleep?
39:49 Is It Unhealthy to Be a Night Owl?
41:38 Does Neurodivergence Affect Sleep Timing?
44:03 When to Get Help for Sleep Disruptions
45:57 How Do Hormones Affect the Sleep Cycle?
47:24 Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?
50:25 How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Actually Need?
51:39 What Is the Difference Between Tired and Sleepy?
54:11 Is Insomnia a Diagnosis or a Response to Stress?
55:40 Is Insomnia Treatable?
57:55 How Long Does It Take to Treat Insomnia?
1:01:01 Who Is Most Affected by Insomnia?
1:02:05 Key Takeaways
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional.
