19. Finding Rest: My Journey to Better Sleep

Stethoscopes and Strollers

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Welcome back to *Stethoscopes and Strollers*! In this episode, I'm opening up about my personal battle with sleep issues and the journey I took to find restful sleep again. As a physician and a mom, I've faced the ups and downs of sleep deprivation, and I want to share my story to help you navigate your own sleep challenges.

Episode Highlights:

- Stress and Sleep: How high-stress periods affected my sleep patterns, and the shift that happened after having my daughter.

- Unrestful Sleep: The constant chatter in my mind, the to-do lists, replaying arguments, and the anger that kept me awake.

- Trial and Error: My attempts to improve sleep with various medications like doxylamine, melatonin, and Benadryl, and the realization that these were only temporary fixes.

- Postpartum Anxiety: Exploring the possibility that my sleep issues were linked to postpartum anxiety and my decision to try Lexapro.

- Professional Help: The pivotal moment when my therapist advised me to seek proper evaluation for my sleep issues.

- Discovering Trazodone: My experience with Trazodone, which worked for a while but eventually stopped being effective.

- Natural Remedies: Trying meditation, bedtime yoga, and even gummies suggested by my husband, and why these also fell short.

- The Breakthrough: Finally seeking help from a sleep coach, Dr. Funke Afolabi Brown, and how her guidance in six sessions provided a lasting framework for better sleep.

Key Messages:

- Seek Help: Don't waste time trying to fix sleep issues on your own. Professional help can make a significant difference.

- It's Not Normal: If you're getting less than six hours of sleep regularly, it's time to talk to someone.

- Empower Yourself: Whether it's immediately postpartum or years later, there are solutions and people who can help you improve your sleep.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let's change the narrative around sleep in this season of life. See you on the next episode of *Stethoscopes and Strollers*!

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