Recommended Episodes

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to sleep?

From sleep trackers and wellness trends to headlines warning us about the dangers of poor sleep, many of us have come to believe that sleep is something we should be able to control. But according to behavioral sleep medicine expert Dr. Sue McCurry, that's one of the biggest myths about sleep.

Chris and Emma sit down with Dr. McCurry to explore what actually drives healthy sleep, why waking up during the night isn't always a problem, and how anxiety about sleep often becomes the very thing that keeps us awake. They discuss the history of human sleep, common misconceptions about insomnia, the science behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and practical ways to create the conditions for better rest without trying to force it.

Whether you're struggling with insomnia, navigating menopause, parenting young children, or simply wondering if you're getting enough sleep, this episode offers a reassuring and evidence-based perspective that may completely change the way you think about sleep.

Key Takeaways

  •  Sleep cannot be forced, only supported. 
  •  Waking during the night is more common than many people realize. 
  •  Anxiety about sleep often becomes the biggest barrier to sleeping well. 
  •  Consistency is more important than chasing a perfect number of hours. 
  •  Sleep trackers can sometimes increase stress rather than improve sleep. 
  •  Good sleepers still have occasional bad nights. 
  •  CBT-I focuses on changing habits, thoughts, and behaviors rather than forcing sleep.

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