REM Reward

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Christina Calamaro, a leading researcher in adolescent sleep and health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Dr. Calamaro’s work focuses on how behaviors like caffeine consumption and technology use impact sleep patterns, learning, and overall well-being in teenagers.The conversation explores why so many teens are not getting enough sleep, how sleep deprivation affects academic performance and daily functioning, and the surprising levels of caffeine consumption among adolescents. Dr. Calamaro also breaks down the complex relationship between screen time, stimulation, and sleep disruption, and shares insights on which factors matter most.They also discuss the real-world consequences of sleep loss, including safety risks and long-term health effects, and what parents, schools, and teens can do to create healthier habits in an increasingly demanding and connected world.This episode offers a clear, research-backed look at one of the most important and overlooked challenges facing young people today.LINKS:Citations from Dr. CalamaroConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!•⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Angela Goldman, a board-certified health and wellness coach and founder of NRG Health and Wellness. Angela specializes in helping people improve their energy, sleep, and overall well-being through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.The conversation explores how sleep interacts with nutrition, stress, and daily habits, and why sleep is often the “keystone habit” that supports progress in many areas of health. Angela also discusses how food timing and macronutrients affect sleep quality, how poor sleep influences cravings and metabolism, and the coaching strategies she uses to help people build lasting behavior change.They also dive into common myths around sleep and wellness, the challenges students face balancing sleep with school and screen time, and practical shifts that anyone can start implementing this week to improve energy and overall health.Note: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk with parents, trusted supports, and healthcare professionals about your individual health needs.LINKS:http://nrghealthcoach.com/Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!•⁠⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠•⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Helen Burgess, a leading circadian rhythm scientist at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory. Dr. Burgess studies how the body’s internal clock responds to light, behavior, and daily routines, and how disruptions to these rhythms affect sleep and mental health.The conversation explores why morning sunlight is so important for regulating sleep cycles, what causes sleep inertia and morning grogginess, and how everyday habits like caffeine, alcohol, exercise, and inconsistent schedules influence the circadian clock. Dr. Burgess also shares practical advice for teens, parents, and shift workers on how to better align their routines with the body’s natural timing system.This episode offers a clear and practical look at how understanding your circadian rhythm can help you wake up easier, sleep better, and feel more energized throughout the day.LINKS:https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/sleep/sleep-circadian-research-laboratoryConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!•⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Erik Herzog, a leading circadian biologist at Washington University in St. Louis. The conversation explores how the brain keeps time, what circadian rhythms actually are, and why daily timing matters for sleep, learning, and health. Dr. Herzog explains why teenagers naturally want to stay up later, how screens and melatonin affect developing sleep systems, and what research reveals about circadian disruption and diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. They also discuss cutting-edge work on brain tumors and synthetic gene circuits that align with circadian time, offering a glimpse into the future of sleep-aware medicine. This episode is a deep but accessible look at why when things happen in the body can be just as important as what happens.LINKS:https://biology.wustl.edu/people/erik-herzogConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Wanda Willard, Professor of Psychology at Monroe Community College, to explore the science and mystery of sleep and dreaming. Drawing from her years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Willard explains what happens during the stages of sleep, how sleep deprivation affects our emotions and cognition, and how life experiences can shape our dreams. The conversation also explores recurring dreams, cultural interpretations of dreaming, common myths about sleep, and whether dreams can influence creativity or problem-solving. This episode is a thoughtful and engaging look at why sleep and dreams matter more than we often realize.Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with James Mollison, whose acclaimed project Where Children Sleep explores childhood through the lens of the bedroom, and what it reveals about culture, inequality and identity. We discuss what inspired him to start this work, how children’s sleep-environments vary dramatically around the world, and what lessons his images hold for understanding the connections between material conditions, sleep and emotional health. Whether you’re interested in children’s mental-health, global cultures or photography as a tool for change, this episode offers a unique vantage on how a simple space, the place a child sleeps, can reflect far more than meets the eye.James Mollison Links:WebsiteWhere Children Sleep Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Professor Sarah Blunden, a world-renowned pediatric sleep researcher from CQUniversity Australia and Monash University. Sarah has spent decades studying how children and adolescents sleep, why their rest is so often disrupted, and what parents and communities can do to better support them. We discuss the most common sleep problems in young kids, how early sleep habits shape emotional and cognitive development, and her Gentle Methods of Self-Settling (GeMSS) approach to helping children learn healthy sleep patterns. We also dive into cultural perspectives on co-sleeping, the pressures parents face to “fix” sleep quickly, and why understanding sleep in context is key for supporting both children and familiesLINKS:https://sensiblesleep.com/https://snoozeforkids.com/https://www.amazon.com/Sensible-Sleep-Solution-Guide-Babys/dp/1862549478Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!•⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Benjamin Y. Cheung, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. While Benjamin’s research spans cultural psychology, identity, and how social environments shape human behavior, today’s conversation focuses on his study comparing sleep patterns and beliefs across Japanese, European Canadian, and Asian Canadian university students. Together, they explore how culture influences what people consider “enough sleep,” whether the eight-hour rule really applies everywhere, and what these findings mean for health, productivity, and student well-being.Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardLinks to Dr. Cheung's Papers!Benjamin Cheung - UBC Department of PsychologyBenjamin Cheung - Personal WebsiteBenjamin Cheung - TwitterBenjamin Cheung - Google ScholarListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Jeanine Klotzkin, LPC, LCAT, a therapist and sleep coach who has helped countless clients break free from years of emotional and sleep struggles. Together, they discuss why sleep is one of the most overlooked keys to emotional resilience, how anxiety, depression, and trauma can profoundly disrupt sleep, and why the reverse is also true. They also explore the differences between psychologically rooted insomnia and other sleep disorders, share a powerful case study of someone who found relief after years of frustration, and explain why deep sleep plays such a critical role in accelerating emotional healing. Jeanine also offers one important mindset shift to embrace when beginning therapy. Her approach blends evidence-based sleep coaching with more than three decades of therapeutic experience, bridging the gap where traditional methods often fall short.Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode of REM Reward, Ryan dives into the mysteries of slumber with Wendy Bjazevich. They explore what sparked her passion for explaining sleep to kids, how she artfully balanced real science with fun storytelling, and the four stages of sleep broken down in terms that kids – and parents – will easily understand. Wendy shares why sleep is especially vital for children’s mood, learning, growth, and behavior, and reveals some of the biggest unanswered questions scientists still face about sleep. Along the way, she’ll surprise listeners with a little‑known fact about what happens in our bodies during slumber, and help parents recognize sleep disorders in kids, offering insights on issues like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Wendy also takes us on a global journey, sharing interesting bedtime traditions and unusual sleeping arrangements from around the world. She reflects on the most surprising or fun sleep-related discovery she uncovered while researching her book, and leaves us with straightforward bedtime tips and routines for better nights. Her hope? That listeners leave with one key takeaway that truly matters.BOOK LINKS FROM WENDY:Bushel and Peck Books Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of SlumberAmazon Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of SlumberConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sarah Elizabeth: a high-end interior design firm located in Montclair NJ, creating effortless elegance one home at a time with 16 years in the industry. They explore how intentional bedroom design can dramatically improve sleep quality, discuss science-backed strategies for creating a restful sanctuary, from optimal furniture layouts and color psychology to lighting solutions and material choices. Sarah shares her expert tips on avoiding common design mistakes that unknowingly disrupt sleep, selecting calming color palettes, and incorporating natural elements for relaxation. The conversation also covers practical budget-friendly upgrades, how to thoughtfully integrate technology, and which design trends truly support wellness. Whether you're looking for a full bedroom redesign or simple tweaks to enhance your sleep environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your space into a sleep-promoting retreat.Links: Website: sarah-elizabethdesign.comConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this special episode, Ryan talks with Ashley Ring, Youth Consultant at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) and Prevent Suicide New Jersey. As a psychology student and mental health advocate, Ashley brings expertise in youth suicide prevention and neurodivergent sleep challenges. Together, they examine the critical connection between sleep deprivation and mental health crises in young people, share tailored strategies for neurodivergent individuals (including those with ADHD and autism), and discuss NJAAP's statewide initiatives to promote accessible mental health resources.Funding Acknowledgement: This program is supported by the New Jersey Department of Health and SAMHSA's Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program.Connect with Our Guests:Prevent Suicide New Jersey: preventsuicidenj.orgNJAAP: njaap.orgCrisis Resources: 988lifeline.orgpreventsuicidenj.orgConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen & Subscribe:• Apple Podcasts• Spotify• Google Podcasts• YouTube

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Meeta Singh, a renowned sleep psychiatrist and performance specialist. With dual expertise in medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Singh has worked with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and Olympic teams, as well as top business executives, to optimize their sleep for peak performance. Ryan and Dr. Singh explore critical topics including sleep's impact on mental and physical performance, strategies for high-pressure environments, overcoming travel-related sleep disruptions, and the surprising connections between sleep, immunity, and injury recovery. Discover science-backed techniques to enhance your rest and performance - and don't forget to explore our website for more resources on mastering your sleep!Check out Dr. Singh!- Meeta Singh MD- InstagramConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, host Ryan Shintani sits down with Dr. Craig Harris Richard, a University Professor specializing in physiology with a research focus on ASMR. They talk about Dr. Richard’s journey in creating the Sleep Whispers podcast, which aims to help listeners relax and fall asleep with soothing whispers and gentle sounds. Dr. Richard discusses the creative process behind his episodes, including his unique approach to storytelling and how ASMR is used as a tool for relaxation. Tune in to hear how his work is reshaping the way we understand the power of whispers and sleep.LINKS:Sleep Whispers PodcastSilk PodcastsASMR UniversityBrain Tingles (book)TED Talk - AMSR: The Whispered Revolution of Relaxation Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠•⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠• ⁠Google Podcasts⁠•⁠ YouTube⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In Episode 17, Ryan is joined by Dr. Anita Shelgikar and Melissa Clark to explore the history, research, and advocacy efforts of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and how the organization continues to shape the field of sleep medicine today. Dr. Shelgikar, Immediate Past President of the AASM Foundation, breaks down the latest sleep research, how the AASM funds groundbreaking studies, and what recent discoveries are changing the way we understand sleep health. Melissa Clark, Director of Advocacy and Public Awareness at the AASM, discusses the AASM’s founding in 1975, the challenges it overcame, and its ongoing work to influence public policy and expand access to sleep care. This episode dives into the connections between sleep research, healthcare policy, and patient care, highlighting how the AASM drives innovation in sleep medicine and what the future of the field looks like. Whether you're interested in scientific advancements, sleep advocacy, or how policy shapes sleep health, this episode has something for you! Links from AASM: Student Sleep health Week- typically held in the 2nd week of September each year, to increase public awareness about the importance of sleep health for students’ success and well-being. A high School video contest that is held every year between January – March. Free educational resources teach school students (of all grades) about the importance of sleep health (read here) Public awareness on the topic of school start times can be found here. Posters/ infographics and more: Make sleep a priority, Sleep recharges you , Educational Video, Bedtime calculator Educator resources Blog posts- here. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In Episode 16, Ryan is joined by Dr. Erica Jansen from the University of Michigan, an expert in nutritional epidemiology and sleep science. Together, they delve into the fascinating connections between sleep, diet, and health. Dr. Jansen shares her groundbreaking research on how sleep patterns influence health outcomes like weight and metabolism, and how what we eat can, in turn, affect our sleep quality. Topics include the role of consistent sleep and eating habits, the surprising links between diet and puberty timing, and how circadian rhythms impact our body’s internal clock. Dr. Jansen also offers practical advice for teens looking to improve their sleep and diet, highlighting the importance of balance and consistency. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that connects two key pillars of health—sleep and nutrition—and how they shape our well-being. Links with Dr. Jansen! What’s the best diet for healthy sleep? A nutritional epidemiologist explains what food choices will help you get more restful z’s (theconversation.com) 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep | TIME Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan Shintani is joined by Dr. Jennifer L. Martin to explore the powerful role sleep plays in public health and individual well-being. They discuss the impact of sleep on chronic diseases, the effectiveness of CBT-I, and the public policy issues shaping sleep health, such as school start times and daylight savings time. Dr. Martin shares actionable insights from her work with veterans and her groundbreaking research on the connection between sleep and overall health. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Lauren Ziegler, a certified sleep coach and yoga therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field. Lauren shares her personal journey from facing sleep challenges to becoming a guiding light for those struggling with insomnia. We delve into common misconceptions about sleep, the intricate relationship between sleep and mental health, and practical strategies to enhance sleep quality. Lauren also offers insights into the roles of diet, exercise, and technology in sleep patterns, and discusses the effectiveness of sleep aids like melatonin. Whether you're battling sleepless nights or seeking to optimize your rest, this conversation provides valuable guidance to help you achieve restorative sleep. Links: https://www.laurenziegler.com/ https://www.instagram.com/laurenthesleepguide https://www.youtube.com/@sleepguide Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, host Ryan Shintani sits down with Drew Ackerman, the creator of the popular Sleep With Me podcast, to discuss how his personal struggles with insomnia inspired him to develop unique bedtime stories that help listeners drift off to sleep. They explore Drew's creative process, the role of humor in his storytelling, and how his past quirky jobs—like being a fuzzy dice salesperson and jail librarian—shaped his approach. Tune in to hear how Drew turns everyday events into soothing tales that have captivated insomniacs around the world. Links! - https://www.sleepwithmepodcast.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/dearestscooter/ Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani sits down with Lisa L. Lewis, a renowned journalist and author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen. They dive into the science behind adolescent sleep, exploring why teens need more sleep and how sleep deprivation impacts their health, academic performance, and mental well-being. Lisa shares her insights on the importance of later school start times and provides practical advice for teens and parents to improve sleep habits. Tune in to learn how better sleep can transform the lives of teenagers. Links! - lisallewis.com Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani talks with Dominic de Almeida, a graduate student and soccer player at California Baptist University. They dive into the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and sleep, exploring how proper rest is essential for peak performance on and off the field. Dominic shares his experiences as a student-athlete and offers valuable insights into how sleep, psychology, and kinesiology intersect to optimize both physical and mental well-being. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani talks with Stacey Antine, a renowned nutritionist and the founder of HealthBarn USA. They discuss the crucial connection between nutrition and sleep, exploring how diet impacts sleep quality and overall health. Stacey shares practical tips for encouraging healthier eating habits and improving sleep hygiene, providing valuable insights for families and individuals aiming to enhance their well-being. Links! - www.healthbarnusa.com - www.healthbarnfoundation.org - www.instagram.com/healthbarnusa Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani sits down with Phyllis from Start School Later (SSL) to discuss the Let's Sleep! initiative and the movement to push for later school start times. They explore SSL's origins, current collaborations with school districts, and the nationwide goal of adjusting school schedules to better align with adolescents' natural sleep rhythms. Phyllis addresses common misconceptions about sleep and school start times, the challenges and benefits of implementing these changes, and how cultural attitudes influence the debate. They also cover the impact of inadequate sleep on academic performance and mental health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits among students. Join us for an insightful discussion on how changing school start times can lead to healthier, more successful students. Resources/Links Mentioned: School Start Later - startschoollater.net Let's Sleep! - letssleep.org The Attorney's - schoolstarttime.org Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode, Ryan and Dr. George Dragoi discuss the relationship between sleep and memory. Dr. Dragoi, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Yale University, shares insights from his research on how sleep optimizes memory consolidation through various brain mechanisms. They explore the different stages of sleep, the types of memories, and the impact of factors like age, sleep disorders, and technology use on memory processing. Dr. Dragoi also debunks common myths and offers practical tips for enhancing memory through sleep, highlighting innovative approaches and potential future research directions. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms, and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org. 

In this episode of the REM Reward podcast, Ryan chats with Dr. Sem about the crucial role of sleep for school children. They explore how sleep patterns have evolved with technology, the effects of sleep on students' daily lives, and practical steps schools and parents can take to improve sleep habits. Dr. Sem offers insights from his extensive experience, highlighting innovative approaches to enhance students' well-being and overall success. Books mentioned by Dr. Sem •⁠ Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker •⁠ The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. • Dr. Sem's Website!⁠ • Dr. Sem's Books! Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Bronwyn Milkins about her innovative research into attention bias modification and its applications in treating insomnia and anxiety. They delve into how this technique can be particularly beneficial for young people and discuss strategies that parents and teens can use at home to combat sleeplessness. Dr. Milkins also sheds light on the broader implications of sleep quality on mental health, offering practical advice for enhancing well-being through improved sleep. Tune in for an enlightening discussion full of practical insights for anyone looking to better understand and improve their sleep habits and mental health. Check out Dr. Bronwyn Milkins: •⁠ ⁠Bronwyn Milkins Psychology Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠

In this episode, Ryan talks with Cara Weaver, a marketing and communications specialist at Wake Up Narcolepsy. Cara was diagnosed with Narcolepsy Type 2 in 2018 when she was a junior in high school. Ryan and Cara talk about navigating narcolepsy's impact on everyday life. Explore the challenges faced by individuals with narcolepsy, from managing symptoms in school or at work to building understanding within social circles. Learn about practical strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and the importance of sleep hygiene. They talk about the personal journey of coping with narcolepsy and how it can offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking better sleep quality and overall well-being. Check out Wake Up Narcolepsy (+ resources mentioned in the podcast)! •⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wake Up Narcolepsy ⁠ •⁠⁠⁠⁠ Disclosing Diagnosis/Accommodations⁠ •⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Narcolepsy 101 Series⁠ • ⁠What Does That Mean? Series⁠ • ⁠Wake Up Narcolepsy Support Groups⁠ Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! •⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ •⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠ •⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠ •⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Jessica Hamilton, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University. Dr. Hamilton works as a clinical psychologist and has studied the development of depression during adolescence. Her research focuses on finding risk factors for the onset and worsening of adolescent depression and suicide.Ryan and Dr. Hamilton talk about how sleep influences mental health, how technology can affect sleep/mental health, practical tips to improve sleep, and so much more! Dive in and discover how sleep influences your mental health, and don't forget to explore our website and resources for more on this fascinating topic. Check Out More On Dr. Hamilton Here! • The Hamilton Lab • Instagram: @the_hamilton_lab Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ •⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠ •⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. David Cunnington, a specialist sleep physician of over two decades. Along with being a sleep physician, Dr. Cunnington is a sleep advocate and frequently appears in print, radio, TV and online media as an expert commentator on sleep, and is a regular national and international keynote speaker. Dr. Cunnington has been involved in a range of research projects and has produced numerous journal articles, editorials, and book chapters. In this episode, Dr. Cunnington and Ryan talk about topics such as common sleep problems in adolescents, misconceptions about sleep problems, ways to address sleep anxiety, and much more! Don't forget to explore our website and resources for more on this fascinating topic.  Links to Dr. Cunnington’s Website + Podcast • drdavidcunnington.com.au • sleephub.com.au/ • omny.fm/shows/sleep-hub Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠

In this episode, Ryan talks with Nick Littlehales, a leading figure in the world of sports sleep optimization. Nick has over 20 years of experience working with top athletes and teams to help them achieve peak performance through sleep. Nick's innovative techniques have revolutionized the way we view rest and recovery in the realm of sports. Ryan and Nick explore topics such as the R90 Technique, multiple ways athletes can utilize sleep to their advantage, and much more! Dive in and discover how sleep influences your mind and body, and don't forget to explore our website and resources for more on this fascinating topic. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Eitan Schechtman, an assistant professor in neurobiology and behavior at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Schechman’s deep expertise in sleep, memory, and cognitive neuroscience shines as he shares invaluable insights. They explore topics such as how students can maximize the benefits of sleep to enhance memory and the long-term consequences of sleep deprivation. If you're curious about the connection between sleep and memory, this episode is a must-listen. Dive in and discover how sleep influences your mind, and don't forget to explore our website and resources for more on this fascinating topic. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Podcasts • Google Podcasts • YouTube