What if better sleep could improve your anxiety, stress levels, relationships, performance and even longevity?

In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by behavioural scientist and sleep expert Dr Jemma King to explore the powerful connection between sleep and mental wellbeing. Drawing on her work with elite athletes, police, military personnel and high performers, Dr King explains why sleep isn't simply about getting enough hours, but about protecting the quality and consistency of your sleep every night.

Together, they unpack why sleep deprivation makes us more reactive to stress, how REM sleep helps the brain process fear and emotional experiences, and why poor sleep may be contributing to the rising rates of anxiety many people experience today. They also discuss the impact of caffeine, technology, artificial light and modern lifestyles on our ability to get truly restorative rest.

You'll also learn practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep, including how to manage middle-of-the-night wake-ups, use cognitive shuffling to quiet a busy mind, create a sleep-friendly environment, and build the sleep consistency that supports both physical and mental health.

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 3am with a racing mind, feeling anxious, overwhelmed or exhausted, this conversation is packed with insights that could transform the way you think about sleep and wellbeing.

Resources:
📖 Sleep First by Dr Jemma King (available in bookstores and on Audible)

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

• Website: https://drjodirichardson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson

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