Sarah hosts Nikko Kennedy on the Evolving Wellness podcast to discuss motherhood, preconception, and sleep, emphasizing how optimizing light and darkness can support polyphasic sleep and help mothers function despite frequent night wakings. Nikko argues modern expectations of consolidated 8-hour sleep and nighttime screen use worsen fatigue, while extended time in dim darkness (often 10–14 hours postpartum) can improve resilience, weight loss, and overall endocrine and metabolic health. They connect sleep to anemia, noting over 90% of new red blood cells come from recycled iron, with inflammation-regulated hepcidin limiting iron use regardless of supplementation; they highlight the roles of mitochondria, liver, spleen, and bone marrow and the need for nighttime darkness. They also touch on community/social cues, dad’s health and placental outcomes, pregnancy blood volume expansion, and mixed experiences with desiccated organ supplements.
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Connect with Nikko:
https://substack.com/@nikkokennedy?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
https://www.instagram.com/brighterdays.darkernights/
YOUR COMPLETE SUMMER SUN GUIDE - Free Webinar: https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/webinar-your-summer-sun-guide or Scan the QR code at 01:58
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→ VivaRays | This episode is sponsored by VivaRays - VivaRays Blue - code YOGI https://vivarays.com/
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Timestamp:
00:00 Coming Up
00:29 Podcast Intro
03:27 Meet Nikko Kennedy
06:04 Why Nikko Helps Moms
13:52 Polyphasic Sleep Basics
16:26 Postpartum Rest Strategy
17:54 Sleep Is Social Screens
22:22 Handling Pushback Privilege
24:17 Jealousy Online
25:44 Iron Recycling Basics
28:06 Darkness Heals Mitochondria
29:03 Enforced Darkness Protocols
31:18 Sunlight for Postpartum Recovery
35:17 Light and Breastfeeding Gains
36:06 Motherhood Moment Break
37:34 Practice Based Research
39:31 Dad Health and Placenta
41:22 Blood Volume Expansion
42:23 Boring Basics Protocol
42:47 Organ Supplements Debate
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This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!
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