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Sleep Expert: Why Rest Is the Real Performance Edge | Melissa Melinak
Description
Sleep underpins everything — focus, mood, performance, immune function, and even joy. Dr. Melissa Milanak, clinical psychologist, executive consultant, and internationally recognized expert on stress, anxiety, burnout, and sleep, has spent more than 20 years helping leaders, athletes, healthcare professionals, and everyday people reclaim their quality of life.
In this practical and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Melissa shares:
• What her 20s looked like and the habits that still serve her today
• Why she shifted from trauma work into the science of sleep
• How stress keeps the body from allowing quality rest
• Common reasons people can’t shut their brain off at night
• The connection between sleep, burnout, anxiety, and performance
• Simple, research-backed ways to improve sleep without sacrificing success
If you’re in your 20s grinding hard, feeling burned out, or struggling to switch off at night, this episode delivers clear science and actionable insight.
Dr. Melissa has delivered over 100 keynote talks a year and recently gave a TED Talk titled “Sleep: Not the Impossible Dream.”
Timestamps below ⬇️
#SleepScience #Burnout #DrMelissaMilanak #StressAndAnxiety #RestIsProductive #ConversationsWithSekani
Connect with Melissa
Website: https://www.melissamilanak.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaemilanakphd/
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Chapters
0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. Melissa Milanak
1:40 - Life in Her 20s & Early Dreams
8:15 - Habits That Still Serve Her Today
15:30 - Why She Chose Psychology & Sleep Science
23:10 - How Stress Blocks Quality Sleep
31:45 - Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night
40:20 - Sleep as the Foundation for Everything
48:50 - Practical Tips for Better Rest
57:15 - Final Thoughts on Sleep & Performance