If your New Year's Resolution is to get better sleep and wake up rested and refreshed, you've landed in the right place!
We all know how it feels to wake up after a weird night’s sleep—maybe you’re groggy, irritable, or struggling to face the day with thoughts that just won’t come together.
But what if better sleep wasn’t just about getting more hours, but about learning to rest smarter?
That’s the mission of The Doze Podcast, hosted by sleep coach and educator Soda Kuczkowski. With expert guests, cutting-edge science, and actionable tips, each episode is designed to help you reclaim your nights and transform your days.
Start your journey to better sleep with the Top 5 Episodes of 2024.
1. Recharge Your Senses: The Power of Sensory Rest
In today’s world, our senses are constantly bombarded by notifications, traffic noise, and endless visual clutter. In this episode, Soda sits down with sleep scientist Dr. Daniel Gartenberg to explore the often-overlooked concept of sensory rest. Together, they break down how overstimulation affects mental health and sleep quality—and how to take small but impactful steps toward restoring balance.
Dr. Gartenberg introduces innovative tools like the Sleep Space app, which uses sound and biofeedback to enhance your sleep experience. Whether it’s managing sensory overload from noisy environments or taking time to unplug, this episode provides practical strategies to recharge your mind and body for better rest.
Key Takeaways:
Sensory rest helps offset the stress of constant stimuli.
Smart tech, like Sleep Space, adapts sound and temperature for optimal sleep.
Digital detoxes and mindful breathing exercises reduce sensory strain.
"The holy grail in sleep would be if we could do something passively to improve sleep quality, even a small amount." — Dr. Daniel Gartenberg
2. The Magic of Magnesium
Magnesium might be the most underrated tool for better sleep and overall wellness. In this episode, Soda shares her personal journey using magnesium spray to manage pain and achieve deeper, more restful sleep. She also explores how magnesium supports over 300 biochemical processes in the body, making it an essential nutrient for everything from relaxation to energy production.
Listeners will learn how to incorporate magnesium into their routines through food, supplements, and topical applications. Whether you’re dealing with restless legs, stress, or low energy, this episode uncovers why magnesium should be your next wellness go-to.
Key Takeaways:
Magnesium plays a vital role in sleep and stress reduction.
Topical magnesium sprays are effective for pain relief and relaxation.
Dark chocolate, nuts, and leafy greens are magnesium-rich food sources.
"Magnesium promotes relaxation and more restful sleep." — Soda Kuczkowski
3. Balance Your Hormones, Transform Your Sleep 🛌
Hormonal changes are one of the biggest disruptors of sleep, especially for women navigating life stages like pregnancy or menopause. Soda dives into the science of hormonal sleep disruptions, from the impact of estrogen drops to the relationship between stress and cortisol.
This episode offers actionable solutions, like creating tech-free evening routines and using magnesium to promote hormonal balance. Whether it’s hot flashes keeping you awake or daily stress that won’t quit, Soda’s insights will help you reclaim your rest.
Key Takeaways:
Hormonal changes often lead to insomnia, but they are manageable.
Magnesium and stress-reducing routines can support hormonal health.
Simple tweaks to your lifestyle can lead to significant sleep improvements.
"Good sleep is foundational for your health. Yet as we navigate the mid stages of life, it can elude even the best of us." — Soda Kuczkowski
4. Rediscover Inspiration with Creative Rest 🎨
Feeling uninspired or stuck in a rut? Creative rest might be the key to reigniting your spark. Soda and guest Stacey Mrva, a metal sculptor, explore the idea that rest isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. This episode highlights how engaging with art, nature, and hobbies can refresh your mind and unleash your creativity.
Whether you’re taking a break from your devices or trying something new like welding, creative rest is for anyone seeking clarity and inspiration. Learn how simple shifts in your daily life can lead to a more innovative and fulfilling mindset.
Key Takeaways:
Creative rest helps anyone recharge their problem-solving abilities.
Daydreaming, nature walks, and hands-on hobbies foster mental renewal.
Unplugging from digital distractions clears the way for fresh ideas.
"Creative rest is about actively nurturing that part of yourself that craves beauty, inspiration, and innovation." — Soda Kuczkowski
5. Mental Health Starts with Sleep
Sleep isn’t just restorative—it’s a cornerstone of mental health. Soda explores how chronic sleep deprivation affects emotional resilience, decision-making, and even relationships. She also shines a light on the systemic sleep challenges faced by underserved communities, from noise pollution to unequal access to health resources.
This episode goes beyond individual solutions, advocating for broader awareness of sleep health as a societal issue. By prioritizing rest, you’ll not only reduce stress and anxiety but also build a stronger foundation for overall well-being.
Key Takeaways:
Better sleep reduces anxiety and enhances emotional resilience.
Environmental factors, like noise, disproportionately affect minority communities.
Sleep advocacy and education are critical for achieving health equity.
"We can't have a real mental health movement without sleep as part of it." — Soda Kuczkowski
🌟 Start Your Journey to Better Rest Today
These episodes are just the beginning of what The Doze Podcast offers. Whether you’re battling sensory overload, navigating hormonal changes, or looking to spark creativity, Soda delivers science-backed solutions to help you rest smarter and live brighter.
Better sleep isn’t just about avoiding fatigue—it’s about unlocking your full potential. By tuning in, you’ll transform your nights into the foundation for a healthier, happier, more inspired life.
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