• Oversleeping - Why More Sleep is Not Always Better
    Sep 3 2025
    Ep. 89 Think more sleep = more energy? Not always. In this eye-opening episode of The Doze Podcast, host and sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the surprising downsides of oversleeping. From grogginess and headaches to deeper issues like nutrient deficiencies or thyroid concerns, Soda explains why too much sleep can leave you feeling just as drained as too little. What's Inside? ✔️ The difference between fatigue vs. sleepiness—and why it matters ✔️ How to reset your body clock with consistent wake times & morning light ✔️ Why oversleeping can signal hidden health issues ✔️ Practical steps to reclaim your energy and rhythm Plus, Soda shares an exciting update about START WITH SLEEP and The Doze's expanding global online focus—bringing sleep health resources to more people than ever. Resources: "What’s New" Newsletter: startwithsleep.com The Doze.Co: Shop Sleep Tools Chapters: 0:00 The Hidden Effects of Oversleeping 2:03 Medication Changes and Nutrient Absorption Affecting Energy Levels 3:38 Understanding Oversleeping: Causes, Risks, and Solutions 6:42 Strategies to Boost Energy and Reset Your Circadian Rhythm 9:13 Online Sleep Solutions from TheDoze.Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 mins
  • The Sleep Era
    Aug 27 2025
    Ep. 88 Burnout is OUT. Sleep is IN. We have entered The Sleep Era—and it’s not just about getting your 8 hours. It’s a cultural revolution that’s reshaping how we live, work, and thrive. On this episode of The Doze Podcast, host and sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski breaks down why sleep is the ultimate resource—fueling creativity, protecting health, and powering productivity. Gone are the days of glorifying exhaustion. The future belongs to the well-rested. “The future will not be built on burnout. It will be built by those who are finally awake, alert, and unstoppable.” ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why sleep is the new currency of health, success, and innovation How to create sleep-conscious workplaces that combat fatigue Simple ways to make your home a sanctuary for real rest The role families and communities play in reshaping sleep culture How to reframe rest as strategy, not weakness 📲 Resources & Links: Follow us on any social channel: @startwithsleep | @thedoze.co Explore sleep-support tools: www.thedoze.co Try the Sleep Space App for customized soundscapes & better sleep Chapters: 0:00 Embracing the Sleep Era for Health and Creativity 3:17 Transforming Your Home Into a Rest Sanctuary 5:27 Building Sleep-Conscious Workplaces 9:29 Encouraging Device-Free Social Interactions and Public Quiet Spaces 10:30 Embracing the Sleep Era for Health and Productivity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Revenge Bedtime Procrastination
    Aug 20 2025
    Ep. 87 Are you trading sleep for "me-time"? Do you find yourself scrolling, snacking, or staying up way too late knowing you’ll pay for it tomorrow—but doing it anyway? In this episode of The Doze Podcast, host Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the psychology behind revenge bedtime procrastination and shows you how to turn that late-night rebellion into something more powerful: intentional rest. If you have ever told yourself, “This is the only time I get for me,” this episode will challenge that belief with compassion—and offer you a new way forward. Because what your body and mind are really asking for may surprise you. Connect with me: Join my live studio audience at the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon September 27 at WXXI Studio A in Rochester, NY Get Tickets here WXXI Presents the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon | JazzCast Pros Use Promo Code ALIGNED for discounted VIP Access and be part of the show! Visit My Website and Social Channels: www.startwithsleep.com — Expert sleep programs + services thedoze.co — Sleep products + kits Instagram: @Startwithsleep + @TheDoze.co What's Inside? Break the Cycle of Late-Night Scrolling Discover why mindless scrolling is not really relaxing—and what to do instead. Learn how simple swaps like a book, calming scent, or tactile activity can help you reclaim your evenings without a phone in your hand. Build In Micro-Moments of Joy During the DayIf your nights feel like the only time you have for yourself, this episode will show you how to reclaim pockets of joy before the day ends—so your evenings are not left doing all the emotional heavy lifting. Let Boundaries Be Your New Form of Rebellion Protecting your energy does not have to wait until bedtime. Learn how saying “no” sooner—during your day—can stop the cycle of sacrificing sleep just to feel in control. Shift From Reaction to Intention Understand the psychology behind revenge bedtime procrastination and how to stop reacting to overwhelm and start responding with rest Chapters: 00:00 Why You Stay Up Late (Even When You’re Exhausted) 01:31 The Tug-of-War: Self-Care vs. Sleep 02:22 “Me Time” or Midnight Sabotage? 03:29 Bedtime Procrastination = Coping Mechanism 05:17 How to Break the Exhaustion–Rebellion Cycle 07:04 Stop the Scroll: Escaping the Phone Loop 08:12 Turn Rebellion into Rest + Joy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 mins
  • Heart Rate Variability & Sleep - The Missing Metric in Your Recovery Routine
    Aug 13 2025
    Ep. 86 What if your heartbeat held the secret to unlocking deeper, more restorative sleep and ultimately, better recovery? This week on The Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski reveals how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) acts as your body’s built-in recovery score, quietly signalling how well you’re truly healing each night. Join Soda as she decodes this powerful yet often overlooked metric, showing you how to listen to your nervous system’s signals and how to transform your sleep routine for resilience, energy, and stress relief. Discover practical tools like weighted blankets, nasal breathing hacks, and sound therapy that don’t just improve your sleep — they elevate your entire well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how to measure the quality of your rest beyond hours in bed, this episode is your ultimate guide to reading your body’s signals and optimizing recovery like a pro. Key Takeaways: HRV is your body’s secret language — a biofeedback metric that reveals how well your nervous system balances stress and recovery. Track trends, not just numbers — wearable tech like Oura and Whoop provide insights that guide smarter health choices over time. Optimize your sleep environment — total darkness, air quality, binaural beats, and weighted blankets can all boost HRV and restorative rest. Nasal breathing & chronotype alignment — small habits like mouth taping and aligning sleep with your natural body clock improve recovery metrics. HRV empowers decision-making — use it to know when to push hard and when to honor your body’s need to recover. Resource List: Websites: www.startwithsleep.com — Expert sleep programs + services thedoze.co — Sleep products + kits Sleep Space App | 14-Day Trial Recommended Products: Dream Recovery Mute Mouth Tape Magnesium Topical Spray Sleep Eyemask with Baffle Chapters: 00:00 — What Is HRV & Why It Matters for Sleep 00:32 — Heart Rate Variability Explained 02:31 — HRV: Your Body’s Recovery Report Card 03:32 — How Sleep Quality Impacts Your HRV 04:41 — Best Tools to Track Your HRV 05:42 — Sleep Hacks to Boost Your HRV 09:43 — Fresh Air = Better HRV? Optimizing Your Bedroom 11:25 — Using Your HRV Score to Master Recovery 11:45 7 Day Strategy 12:32 Conclusion Dive into this episode to uncover how your heartbeat can become the ultimate key to unlocking better sleep, sharper recovery, and lasting wellness. Your body is talking — are you ready to listen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Beyond Performance - Sleep as the Ultimate Recovery Tool
    Aug 6 2025
    Ep. 85 What if the key to real healing isn’t another supplement or strategy—but simply reclaiming your right to rest? In this episode, I step back from the performance hype and share some of my personal sleep journey from the sleepless chaos of a Vegas bachelorette trip to the unexpected burnout I faced while working in sleep medicine, to the eye-opening reality of motherhood without support. Even though sleep has always been my anchor, I have learned firsthand that it is not about perfection, gadgets, or control. It is about recovery. Healing. And maintaining your rhythm through life’s changes. I also open up about common misconceptions, like how I even used melatonin before I really understood what it did to my sleep. And I dive into why obsessing over trackers and perfection might actually sabotage your ability to sleep. You will learn how the choices you make each day—from the moment you wake up to how you manage your mental load—can either support or sabotage your sleep. Whether you’re a busy parent, shift worker, or just trying to sleep better—this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: • Sleep is your natural recovery system—not just a performance tool • Melatonin regulates your rhythm; it doesn’t knock you out • Daily habits, not perfection, set the stage for true rest • Mindset matters more than gadgets when it comes to healing sleep 💬 "Sleep is not about perfection. It's about creating space for restoration." Resources Mentioned: Ep. 43 - The Truth about Melatonin www.startwithsleep.com www.thedoze.co Chapters: 0:00 – Your Right to Rest: The Ultimate Recovery Tool 1:27 – Vegas, Melatonin & Mistakes: My Sleep Wake-Up Call 3:23 – Moms Need Sleep Too: Why Maternal Rest Matters 5:07 – Juggling It All: Life as a Sleep Coach & Mom 5:45 – Beyond the Buzz: How Sleep Heals Mind & Body 6:32 – No Hacks Needed: Natural Sleep Tips That Work 8:11 – Smart Sleep Starts with Daily Habits & Tech Boundaries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • The True Cost of Sleep in Everyday Life
    Jul 30 2025
    Ep. 84 You are not just tired—you are being taxed physically, emotionally, and financially. Sleep deprivation isn't just draining your energy; it's quietly hijacking your relationships, work performance, emotional stability, and overall peace of mind. In this honest and eye-opening episode of The Doze Podcast, Certified Sleep Coach Soda Kuczkowski explores the hidden emotional, social, and financial toll of poor sleep and the small shifts that can help you take your life back. This episode is not about guilt. It is about powerful permission to reset, recharge, and rise. What’s Inside? Why couples who sleep less than 7 hours experience more conflict, emotional distance, and loneliness. The link between sleep debt and rising workplace accidents, sick days, and healthcare costs. How sleep-deprived brains misread social cues—fueling disconnection and isolation. Clear thinking, creativity, and resilience all begin with a well-rested brain. Social rest matters. Intentionally connecting with people who uplift you is powerful. Practical Steps This Week: Track your sleep for 7 days — No guilt, just data. Use the SleepSpace App – Free 14-Day Trial. Bookend screen time — Power down 90 minutes before bed. Try The Doze Blueblocker Glasses: https://www.startwithsleep.com/product-page/amber-blue-blocker-glasses 3. Delay conflict when tired — Respect your emotional bandwidth. Rest before reacting. 💬 “Sleep isn’t where your potential pauses—it’s where it begins.” Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or just someone trying to keep it together, this episode is your permission slip to rest—without guilt. Additional Resources Mentioned: The Doze 7 Types of Rest Mini-Series Ep. 18 - Beyond Sleep: The Power of Active and Passive Rest Ep. 19 - Overcoming Burnout: Discover the 7 Types of Rest to Restore Your Spark Ep. 20 - Break Free from Burnout: Mastering Mental Rest in a Busy World Ep. 21 - Unplugging to Recharge: The Essential Guide to Sensory Rest with Dr. Gartenberg Ep. 22 - Overwhelmed by Day, Awake by Night? The Hidden Social Cure for Rest Ep. 23 - From Exhaustion to Exhilaration: Rediscovering Inspiration Through Creative Rest with Guest Stacey Mrva Ep. 24 - From Overwhelm to Inner Peace: Embracing Emotional Rest with Guest Kelly Marie START WITH SLEEP Programs The Doze Podcast Boutique ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – The Hidden Cost of Poor Sleep 00:37 – Meet Your Host: Soda Kuczkowski 01:07 – Sleep Loss and Emotional Fallout 02:10 – What's for Dinner? A Case Study in Emotional Bandwidth 03:42 – From Fatigue to Social Withdrawal 04:35 – Connection as a Form of Rest 05:39 – Sleep and Mental Health: A Two-Way Street 06:53 – The Bigger Picture: Sleep and the Economy 08:17 – The Brain on Sleep Debt 08:59 – 3 Ways to Take Your Sleep (and Life) Back 10:13 – Sleep is Not a Luxury, It’s a Leadership Strategy 11:05 – The Version of You Buried Under Fatigue 11:35 – Every Night is an Invitation to Reset 12:25 – Closing Message: Share the Rest Revolution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Reset Your Nervous System - Unlock Deep Sleep by Activating Your Vagus Nerve
    Jul 23 2025
    Ep. 83 Feeling wired but exhausted? Struggling to shut down at night, even when you’re beyond tired? It’s not just in your head; your vagus nerve could be the hidden culprit. In this powerful episode of The Doze Podcast, Certified Sleep Coach Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the science behind the vagus nerve and why it holds the key to deeper, more restorative sleep. Learn how this vital pathway between your brain and body influences stress, digestion, and emotional regulation and most importantly, how it directly impacts your ability to sleep soundly. Discover simple, science-backed tools, from cold exposure and diaphragmatic breathing to sound therapy and aromatherapy that help stimulate your vagus nerve and reset your nervous system naturally. You’ll walk away with actionable steps, sensory-based techniques, and smart tech options you can begin using tonight. Sleep is not just about winding down, it is about tuning in. What’s Inside? How simple techniques such as cold exposure, diaphragmatic breathing, and aromatherapy enhance vagal tone. Ways to engage your five senses to calm your nervous system. Why morning sunlight is critical to balancing your sleep-wake cycle. Notable Quotes: "Think about your vagus nerve as the super highway connecting your brain and your body." "If it's weakened or inactive, you might find yourself stuck in fight or flight mode, making restful sleep nearly impossible." "Deep diaphragmatic breathing sends immediate calming signals to your nervous system." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Vagus Nerve Connect to Sleep 01:29 Signs of a Weakened Vagus Nerve 02:23 Techniques to Support Your Vagus Nerve 03:24 Sound, Smell, and Taste Solutions 05:02 Visual Stimulation and Technology Aids 05:51 Action Plan and Final Thoughts 07:01 Additional Support from Start with Sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Stop Sabotaging Your Sleep
    Jul 16 2025
    Ep. 82 You say you want better sleep, but are your habits, thoughts, and choices keeping you stuck in the cycle of exhaustion? In this episode of The Doze Podcast, Certified Sleep Coach Soda Kuczkowski calls out the subtle ways we sabotage our own sleep, even when we think we are doing all the right things. From bedtime procrastination and chaotic sleep spaces to the “I’ve tried everything” mindset, Soda helps you recognize the hidden patterns that are working against your sleep—and exactly how to break them. No perfection required. Just simple, consistent actions you can start tonight to reset your routine and reclaim your sleep. What's Inside? Why saying “nothing works” is often the biggest barrier to better sleep How to break the loop of bedtime procrastination The power of consistent wake-up times (even on weekends) What your bedroom may be silently telling your brain How to reduce sleep disruptions from eating, drinking, or tech use A wind-down routine that works—without needing an hour or a spa A gentle but firm mindset shift to help you stop self-sabotaging and start sleeping Notable Quotes: "Believing that your sleep is unfixable is the ultimate self sabotage." "Sleep is not a reward you get after checking off your to-do list. It's the foundation that makes everything else possible." Resources: Ep. 5 - Reset Your Sleep-Wake Cycle: Tips to Get Back in Sync Ep. 29 - Set It & Forget It: A Guide to Crafting Your Ideal Sleep Sanctuary Chapters: 0:00 Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage for Better Sleep 1:11 Welcome to the Doze Podcast 3:05 Shut Down and Sleep Prep 3:30 Set a Fixed Wake-up Time 4:43 Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment and Nighttime Rituals 6:07 Yoga Pose for Sleep: Legs Up the Wall Benefits 7:08 Reflect on Your Self-Sabatoging Thoughts 8:26 Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins