S2 · Ep 7: Sleep And Mental Health — Why Rest Changes Everything | The MindSpa Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore the close relationship between sleep and mental health, and why sleep problems can make stress, anxiety, mood, and daily functioning feel much harder to manage.They break down insomnia in plain language, including difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and waking too early. Tina and Michelle also explain how sleep cycles work, why REM sleep matters, and why spending enough time in bed does not always mean you are getting restorative rest.The conversation also covers practical, grounded strategies that can support better sleep, including consistent wake times, CBT-I approaches, wind-down routines, reducing stimulation before bed, journalling before sleep, and paying attention to caffeine timing. They also discuss recurring nightmares, how emotion shows up in dreams, and how Imaginal Rehearsal Therapy can help reduce nightmare distress.Tina and Michelle also reflect on melatonin, the limits of sleep medication, and why teens often face unique sleep challenges because of circadian rhythm shifts and school schedules. This episode offers a thoughtful look at sleep as one of the most important foundations of emotional wellbeing.What You’ll Hear In This Episode• The three main types of insomnia• How sleep stages and 90-minute cycles affect restoration• Why CBT-I is often more effective than people expect• How caffeine, blue light, and stress interfere with sleep quality• How nightmare rescripting can help with recurring distressing dreams• Why teen sleep patterns often differ from adult sleep patternsThe MindSpa PodcastThoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight.HostsTina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health CentreLinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookMichelle Massunken, MSW, RSWCo-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health CentreLinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookMindSpa Mental Health CentreOttawa - Kanata & Gloucesterthemindspa.caLinkedIn, instagramListen onApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube