Episode Details

In this episode, we discuss the importance of sleep for good mental health. We'll dig into the psychobiological model of sleep to help identify some tailored strategies you can use to improve your sleep. The factors we focus on are cognitive de-arousal (calm your mind), physiological de-arousal (calm your body), daytime facilitation of nighttime sleep (calm an over-active stress response), and sleep stimulus control (bedtime rituals!). See the show notes below for more information on the strategies noted in this episode.

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Joy Lab Podcast

00:39 The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health

03:41 The Psychobiological Model for Sleep

04:55 Strategies for Cognitive De Arousal

07:15 Physiological De Arousal and Its Impact on Sleep

12:38 Daytime Facilitation of Nighttime Sleep

15:18 Sleep Stimulus Control and Its Importance

19:47 Closing Thoughts and a Lullaby

20:32 Outro and Disclaimer

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Sources and Notes:

• Shop our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Aromatherapy massage oils to support sleep (use day or night):
• Determined and Passionate types: Try this oil blend.
• Enthusiastic and Creative types: Try this oil blend.
• Mindful and Grounded types: Try this oil blend.
• Aromatherapy morning routine (ideal for grounded and mindful types): During your morning shower, rub the area around your kidneys (your lower back is close enough). After a bit of massage in that area, turn your back away from the water and then massage a few drops of diluted rosemary or spruce oil in the same area. Massage and breathe deeply as the aroma fills your shower. Both of these oils mimic adrenal hormones and can help stimulate the adrenal cortex, giving a natural energy boost to your morning when you're having a rough time waking up.
• Aromatherapy Evening routine (ideal for enthusiastic, passionate, creative, and determined): Try a warm bath or warm forehead compress with a few diluted essential oils to calm and soothe your system and cue your relaxation response. Try essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense or rose. Another great option is using an aromatherapy inhaler.
• Important note about aromatherapy: don't apply oils "neat" to your skin. "Neat" refers to oils that have not been diluted with something like a carrier oil. Neat application is only advised in very specific circumstances and under the watch of your primary physician or a specialist. No matter how you use them, be sure you purchase a trusted brand that offers the highest quality oils and recommends safe application. Talk to your doctor before use if you are taking any medications or may have an alle