The Sleep Is A Skill Podcast

In addition to being a respected clinical psychiatrist for more than 20 years, Dr. Matt Bernstein is Accord’s chief executive officer and one of the leading voices in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. After graduating summa cum laude from Columbia University in New York, N.Y., with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, he received his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Bernstein then trained at the MGH McLean Psychiatry Residency Program in Belmont, Mass., where he served as chief resident. He remained at McLean Hospital after residency as a psychiatrist-in-charge and later served as assistant medical director of its schizophrenia and bipolar inpatient program. Dr. Bernstein has developed his passion for community-based care as the chief medical officer at Ellenhorn, a sister program of Accord, where he has pursued alternative ways (such as a focus on metabolism, nutrition, circadian-rhythm biology and exercise) to help individuals achieve their best levels of functioning without relying solely on traditional psychiatric approaches. In addition to serving on the clinical advisory board at Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bernstein is known for organizing the first-ever public conference on metabolic psychiatry in 2023. SHOWNOTES: 😴  Can what you eat reshape your mental health and sleep through a metabolic psychiatry lens? 😴  Can glucose monitors and ketone testing unlock hidden insights into your sleep patterns? 😴  What do iron, B12, vitamin D, and carnitine reveal about your brain health and sleep? 😴  Can meditation during the day support better sleep quality at night? 😴  What role do red light, magnesium, and your environment play in deep sleep? 😴  Can tools like ChatGPT help guide your health decisions around nutrition and sleep? 😴  Why are so few practitioners trained in metabolic psychiatry, and how can you find the right support? 😴  Do purpose, community, and lifestyle complete the foundation for better overall health and sleep? 😴  And many moreGUEST LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordmh/  Twitter: https://x.com/accordmetabolic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accordmh Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bernstein-md-5743338/   DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Dr. Douglas Krohn is an award-winning primary care physician, a Clinical Professor at New York Medical College, and a sleep apnea patient with deep insights into the patient journey and effective care delivery. He is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Telemedicine Association, and the American Board of Pediatrics.   SHOWNOTES: 😴  Why sleep disorders must be addressed before sleep optimization 😴  Could you have sleep apnea and not know it? 😴  Why do so many people delay getting diagnosed 😴  Can a questionnaire really approximate an overnight sleep study? 😴  How KONK Sleep delivers diagnosis in minutes 😴  What is virtual asynchronous care and why does it matter? 😴  Is CPAP therapy the only treatment option for sleep apnea? 😴  How GLP-1 medications are entering sleep apnea treatment 😴  Why do some people need combination therapy for sleep apnea 😴  Why women are often missed in sleep apnea screening 😴  How wearables like the Apple Watch (and more!) are helping detect (but not diagnosis) sleep apnea 😴  How treating sleep apnea can transform mood, energy, and relationships 😴  And many moreGUEST LINKS: Website: www.konksleep.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konksleep/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Konk-Sleep/61566508115974/# Twitter: x.com/@konksleep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-krohn-md-119533a/ DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Dr. Melissa Sonners is a nervous system guide, brainwave educator, and the author of The Connection Code (Hay House, 2026). After finding herself stretched between motherhood, ambition, and eventually a serious illness, Melissa was forced to rebuild her life from the inside out. Through that journey, she discovered something powerful: true healing doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from learning how to listen to the body more deeply. Today, Melissa helps people reconnect with their nervous systems using simple, science-backed practices—from understanding brainwaves and syncing with natural rhythms to what she calls “microdoses” of connection, play, and presence that take just minutes throughout the day. Because in a world full of endless to-do lists, Melissa reminds us that joy, calm, and connection aren’t indulgences—they’re essential medicine. And ultimately, her work is about helping people return to the version of themselves that laughs easier, breathes deeper, and remembers what it feels like to be fully alive.   SHOWNOTES: 😴  Could nervous system downshifts create easier sleep tonight? 😴  Can micro self-care outperform long recovery blocks daily? 😴  Are you stuck in burnout mode all day? 😴  Can you downshift in two minutes between tasks? 😴  Could brainwaves guide your day-to-night transitions? 😴  Do you start mornings in Theta or screens? 😴  Could a puzzle practice calm your busy mind? 😴  Are you living in Beta mode until bedtime? 😴  Why are amber lights a non-negotiable for sleep experts? 😴  What happens when digital boundaries become identity, not effort? 😴  Could oxytocin connection outperform more sleep protocols? 😴  To go deeper, check out Melissa Sonners’ new book The Connection Code, a roadmap for reconnecting with yourself and finding clarity, confidence, and ease 😴  And many moreGUEST LINKS: Melissa’s book: https://theconnectioncodebook.com/ Self-With Checklist: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/Self-With-checklist/ Urgency Reset Masterclass: Real Time Nervous System Downshifts For High-Capacity Women: https://drmelissasonners.com/urgencyreset/ Instagram: @beinspiredmama Facebook: @melissasonners DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Patrick McKeown, breathing expert and author of The Breathing Cure for Better Sleep, shares how nasal breathing, tongue posture, and daytime breathing patterns shape nighttime rest. He covers mouth taping cautions, UARS and why it often hides in women, myofunctional therapy, and practical tools like guided audio and nasal aids for quieter, more restorative sleep.

BIO: Rob Sweetman – Former Navy SEAL, MBA, Sleep Scientist Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist dedicated to optimizing human performance in high-stress environments. With firsthand experience of the brutal effects of sleep deprivation in military operations, Rob has spent years researching and developing solutions to improve sleep for service members, first responders, and high-performance teams. His work bridges cutting-edge science with real-world applications, focusing on resilience, cognitive readiness, and operational effectiveness. As the founder of Sleep Genius and an advisor to military and government agencies, Rob is at the forefront of revolutionizing sleep strategies for those who need them most.   SHOWNOTES: 😴  How did a navy seal move into sleep after personal loss? 😴  What if sleep is the foundation of resilience and performance? 😴  What’s the real impact of sleep deprivation on daily decisions? 😴  Why does the military struggle to apply known sleep science? 😴  How do trauma and the nervous system disrupt recovery? 😴  Why do so many wake at 2–3am—and struggle to fall back asleep? 😴  What changes when you create a sleep dojo at home? 😴  How do simple night rituals help you truly unwind? 😴  Can circadian rhythm habits reset your sleep and energy? 😴  Why is a consistent bedtime such a powerful upgrade? 😴  Where can you explore Rob’s resources and sleep mission? 😴  And many moreGUEST LINKS: Website:  www.sleepgeni.us/dod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepgeni.us X: x.com/@SweetmanRobert Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleepgenius/   DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Ramona is a neuroscientist and scientific strategist with deep experience at the intersection of neuroscience, rehabilitation, and emerging health technologies. She earned her BS in Psychology from Brown University, her PhD in Neuroscience from the Uniformed Services University (where her research focused on the modulation of inflammation following Neurotrauma, including publications on the impact of photobiomodulation on microglial activation), and she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Neurology Department at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.Ramona is the Senior Director of US Medical Affairs for Winback America, and serves as a Scientific Advisor for two start ups, Neuronic and the Brainnovation Network. She specializes in translating complex science into real-world clinical and commercial outcomes — from leading research and publication efforts to building clinician training programs. In these roles, she oversees clinical research, education, and regulatory positioning. At Neuronic specifically, she supports research efforts to demonstrate the efficacy of transcranial photobiomodulation on cognitive function and a variety of neurological conditions.She is passionate about leveraging technology to help people achieve their highest quality of life and brings a practical, collaborative approach to connecting science, clinical practice, and business strategy. SHOWNOTES:😴  How did Ramona von Leden go from neuroscience to sleep tech strategy at Neuronic?😴  Why is photobiomodulation sleep more than just “red light therapy”?😴  Can light help TBI sleep issues by calming a dysregulated nervous system?😴  How can 40 Hz support focus while 10 Hz helps you wind down?😴  What does it mean when your sleep latency suddenly drops to minutes?😴  How does light charge mitochondria instead of stimulating the brain?😴  What is the glymphatic system, and why does sleep unlock brain cleanup?😴  How might light improve blood flow and nitric oxide for calm and recovery?😴  What do early Neuronic studies suggest about insomnia and sleep quality?😴  Why can near-infrared light work even if you cannot see it?😴  What simple night routine upgrades made the biggest difference for sleep?😴  What is the big takeaway from Why We Sleep, and why is sleep non-negotiable for brain health?😴  Discover how Neuronic LIGHT can support your  brain health through the power of light. Use code SLEEPISASKILL to save $100 on your entire order. Minimum purchase of USD 500 required.GUEST LINKS:Website:  neuronic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuronic/ DISCLAIMER:The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Chuck McGee III is a breathwork instructor and ACT practitioner known for cutting through wellness noise with practical, no-nonsense nervous system tools. A Type 1 Diabetic and traumatic brain injury survivor, he combines lived experience, physiology, and breathwork to help people regain agency over stress, pain, and performance. SHOWNOTES:😴  How did breathwork become Chuck’s “bartender-to-breath” origin story?😴  What if every emotional breath has a pattern—what are you unconsciously breathing into today?😴  Is your phone posture quietly training stress into your body?😴  How does a long exhale drop heart rate and signal safety fast?😴  What is tool shuffling, and why shouldn’t you rely on one method?😴  How do you build consistency with no shoulds attached?😴  What’s your minimum viable practice so habits actually stick?😴  Does one breath truly count as real breathwork?😴  Is mouth taping about cadence and co2—not just nasal breathing?😴  What’s the bedtime sleep shift from “will i sleep?” to “how soft can i breathe?”😴  Join Chuck’s breathwork session here: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com/breathing-session😴   And many more SPONSORS:🧠 If You “Can’t Turn Your Brain Off” At Night…try a quality magnesium supplement that addresses ALL the necessary forms of magnesium that you need to support calming your nervous system and sleeping deeply. https://magbreakthrough.com/sleepisaskill GUEST LINKS:Website:  https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com/breathing-sessionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/icedvikingbreathworks DISCLAIMER:The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

😴  Why insomnia feels so personal — like something in you suddenly broke😴  Is insomnia an early warning sign for depression and anxiety?😴  If you fix sleep first, can mental health symptoms ease too?😴  Why caring too much about sleep can quietly make it worse😴  The bedtime habit that feels logical but keeps insomnia alive😴  “Helpful” coping strategies that secretly sabotage sleep😴  Night owl living in a morning world: when biology fights society😴  The stress–sleep loop: how bad sleep makes life feel heavier😴  Why CBTI  is considered the gold standard for insomnia😴  The single sleep habit that matters more than bedtime😴   And many moreSPONSORS:🧠 If You “Can’t Turn Your Brain Off” At Night…try a quality magnesium supplement that addresses ALL the necessary forms of magnesium that you need to support calming your nervous system and sleeping deeply. https://magbreakthrough.com/sleepisaskill  GUEST LINKS:Website:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671991/the-sleep-prescription-by-aric-a-prather-phd/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aric-prather DISCLAIMER:The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Diane Ducarme, Founder & CEO of Migraine Heroes is a leading figure in migraine investigation, blending the wisdom of Eastern Medicine with Western science and advanced technology to uncover the true roots of migraine disease. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, a background in science and engineering, and fluency in seven languages—including Mandarin—Diane brings a rich perspective to the complex world of migraine care. Her journey has taken her from engineering to Traditional Chinese Medicine studies in China and, more recently, neuroscience research at Harvard X.Diane’s approach uniquely emphasizes adding functional foods instead of eliminating them, shifting away from restrictive practices to focus on nourishing the body. As the host of the Migraine Heroes podcast, she shares insights and stories that resonate deeply with migraine sufferers worldwide. Through Migraine Heroes, Diane’s dedication continues to transform lives, offering a holistic path to relief, resilience, and wellness for those navigating migraine disease.SHOWNOTES:😴  Migraines are not random, mysterious, or permanent😴  How painkillers can silence symptoms while the real cause grows louder😴 How functional foods can heal more than eliminating everything😴  What waking at 1–3 a.m. reveals about your liver, brain, and sleep cycles😴  How medication overuse can quietly create daily migraines😴  Why solving migraines often improves sleep health, hormones, and energy together😴  How deep sleep returns when the brain finally feels safe to rest😴  What symptom timing can reveal about your nervous system health😴  How gentle tracking restores trust in your body without obsession😴  What true healing looks like after decades of pain😴   And many more SPONSORS:🧠 If You “Can’t Turn Your Brain Off” At Night…try a quality magnesium supplement that addresses ALL the necessary forms of magnesium that you need to support calming your nervous system and sleeping deeply. https://magbreakthrough.com/sleepisaskill GUEST LINKS:Website: https://migraineheroes.com/Download the FREE App here: https://migraineheroes.com/download/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themigraineheroes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mynectarhealthLinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/diane-ducarme-6a4252bb DISCLAIMER:The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A

Jonathan Robinson is a former psychotherapist and author of 16 books.  He has been a frequent guest on Oprah and CNN, and is well known for his groundbreaking work with MDMA assisted therapy.  He has led over 600 MDMA sessions with people over a 40 year period.  His books about MDMA include "Ecstasy as Medicine" and "Ecstasy for Couples."   SHOWNOTES: 😴  What happens when sleep tips aren’t enough 😴  Can ecstasy as medicine support sleep, trauma healing, and nervous system regulation? 😴  Why unresolved trauma can teach the body that sleep isn’t safe 😴  How fight-or-flight helps quiet when the brain won’t power down at night 😴  Why MDMA feels different from other psychedelics 😴  Who should (and should not) consider MDMA safety, including key medication contraindications 😴  What a well-supported MDMA protocol actually looks like 😴  How relationship stress can transform and why couples healing matters for sleep 😴  Why integration and accountability are what make lasting change stick, long after the session 😴  Learn more about MDMA: MDMAtraining.net  and Jonathan’s book: Ecstasy as Medicine /Ecstasy For Couples  😴   And many moreSPONSORS: 🧠 If You “Can’t Turn Your Brain Off” At Night…try a quality magnesium supplement that addresses ALL the necessary forms of magnesium that you need to support calming your nervous system and sleeping deeply. https://magbreakthrough.com/sleepisaskill    GUEST LINKS: Website:  MDMAtraining.net  Use code: SLEEPISASKILL for $250 OFFInstagram: @jon2ric   DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Next Steps To Upleveling Your Sleep - Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/    ‘Sleep Obsessions’ Monday Newsletter: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/newsletter8-Week Wearable Group “Optimize Your Sleep” Program: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimizeSleep Is A Skill Podcast: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-eastman-sleep-is-a-skill-82531825/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepisaskill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepisaskill/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SleepIsASkillYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-IU372xapHLvXnZRbXU7A