
Mind What Matters
What’s Really Keeping You From Sleeping? with Dr. Christopher Allen
Why are you still tired after a full night's sleep? Can you really catch up on sleep over the weekend? And are melatonin and magnesium actually helping you sleep better? This week on Mind What Matters , Elizabeth Humphreys and Nikki DeLoach sit down with double board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric neurologist Dr. Christopher Allen, known as Sleep Dr. Chris, for a practical conversation about sleep, brain health, and what happens when getting the recommended seven to nine hours doesn't fit neatly into your life. Dr. Chris breaks down sleep debt, circadian rhythm, sleep apnea, melatonin, magnesium, restless legs, and the small changes that can make it easier for your brain and body to wind down. He also explains why consistently poor sleep may be telling you something beyond needing a better bedtime routine and when it may be time to see a sleep specialist. Nikki brings her own experience with ADHD and an unpredictable work schedule into the conversation, while Liz asks about everything from catching up on lost sleep to that sudden falling sensation that can happen just as you're drifting off. They also explore sleep during perimenopause and menopause, including why women experiencing middle-of-the-night wakeups shouldn't automatically have their concerns dismissed as stress or anxiety. And for caregivers, who often have little control over when or how long they can sleep, Dr. Chris offers a more realistic approach: protect the sleep you can get, understand what your body needs, and give yourself some grace when life gets in the way. Because better sleep isn't only about how you feel tomorrow morning. It's part of taking care of your brain, body, and long-term health. To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission head to our website . Connect with us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

