EP 89 Why Quick Fixes Are Making College Stress Worse (And What Actually Works) with Dr. Jill Grimes

Liz and Sarah are joined by Dr. Jill Grimes, family physician and author of The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook, to talk about what chronic academic stress actually does to your body — and why so many popular "quick fixes" for focus and sleep are making things worse. If you've ever reached for an energy drink at midnight, borrowed a friend's Adderall, or popped a melatonin gummy hoping to knock out before an exam, this one's for you.We dive into:Why chronic stress affects your brain, body, and immune system The real impact of sleep deprivation on focus, memory, and emotions Energy drinks, nicotine pouches, ADHD meds, and “study drugs” Why THC gummies and sleep aids can backfire long-term The anxiety/sleep cycle college students get trapped in Practical strategies that can actually help manage anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties Why movement, nutrition, and consistent sleep matter more than students think We also talk about the dangerous normalization of “everyone’s doing it” on college campuses — and why informed choices matter when it comes to substances, sleep, and mental health.If you’re a college student, parent, therapist, or anyone who has ever panic-Googled how to fall asleep before an exam, this episode is for you.📖 The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook — Dr. Jill Grimeshttps://jillgrimesmd.com/the-ultimate-college-student-health-handbook/📱 CBT-I Coach app (free, from the VA) — evidence-based insomnia therapy🎧 Sleep stories: Calm, Headspace, YouTube🌐 Dr. Grimes on social media — short videos on common college health topicsFor more information on our REACH Reset Summer offerings contact Dr. Sarah Olivo @ [email protected]