51. Science-Backed Secrets for Better Sleep

Ready to trade sleepless nights for real rest? Discover the game-changing science behind better sleep in this week’s episode! Host Beth dives into Tara Parker-Pope’s expert insights and shares the proven strategies that finally helped her drift off—no matter how stubborn her insomnia. Tune in for eye-opening tips like ‘cognitive shuffling,’ the secret power of ‘nappuccinos,’ and simple bedtime rituals that actually work. Plus, find out how you can add hours of quality sleep to your nights, waking up feeling truly refreshed. Don’t miss Beth’s honest review of sleep aids and routines, quick hacks for controlling light and managing bedtime stress, and links to more resources so you can finally conquer insomnia. Press play and unlock your best night’s sleep yet! ABOUT THIS WEEK’S FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: Tara Parker-Pope is a longtime science writer with an MPH from Yale, and founder of the New York Times Well section. Her newsletter “One Day Better” is a place where she shares science-backed, practical and surprising health advice to help us all live better every day. Tara’s Substack: https://substack.com/@taraparkerpope Referenced links: Cognitive shuffling: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/well/mind/sleep-cognitive-shuffling.html Heading to bed earlier: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/05/night-owl-behavior-could-hurt-mental-health--sleep-study-finds.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Dogsomnia:  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/11/well/family/dog-insomnia-sleep-effects.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.vafT.BqybYAa_9uKJ&smid=url-share Daniel Pink’s Substack: https://substack.com/@danielpink?utm_source=global-search CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com) Engage with Beth Butram on social media:      Instagram: instagram.com/podcastsbybeth      YouTube: youtube.com/@PodcastsByBeth Read the FREE weekly blog and connect on Substack: substack.com/@bethbutram Want to help keep this podcast thriving? Buy host Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Finally, check out Affirmations and Micro-Meditations, a moment of calm podcast, available on most podcasting platforms, or use this link:  spreaker.com/podcast/affirmations-and-micro-meditations--6793204