Sleeping Pills vs. Real Rest: Dr. Lucinda Sykes Shares the Science | EP034

Let’s be honest—when you’re a caregiver, sleep feels like a luxury you can’t afford. But after my conversation with Dr. Lucinda Sykes, I see how crucial real rest is, not just for our energy, but for our long-term health. Lucinda pulls back the curtain on the myths around sleeping pills and reveals the eye-opening science behind why they may actually harm more than help. She reminds us that good sleep isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. And there are natural, science-backed ways to reclaim it. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, it’s time to hit pause, respect your own rhythm, and protect your brain, your heart, and your future—starting tonight.About Our Guest: Lucinda Sykes MD is a retired Canadian doctor and a longtime teacher of mindfulness. Beginning in 1997, she directed Meditation for Health clinic in Toronto, teaching medical programs of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction). More than 6000 patients attended the clinic, referred for help with the many medical conditions worsened by stress. Since retiring from medical practice, Lucinda continues to speak publicly about medicine’s over-prescription of sleeping pills. Women 50+ are at special risk.Social Media Links:Lucindasykesmd.comGift link:   See below the link to download 'Happy Sleep Secrets’, a 24-page pdf of basic sleep self-care for Women 50+. (Lifestyle tips that make it easier for the body to provide restorative sleep).https://www.happysleepsecrets.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyfulafter50/About Me:I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.Connect with Me:https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/Find my books hereThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.