The Doze Podcast

Ep. 90 Do you find yourself sacrificing sleep during the week and then trying to make up for it by sleeping in on the weekends? Here’s the thing you should be asking yourself: Does that actually work? It might feel like a solution in the moment, but science tells a different story. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, host Soda Kuczkowski invites you to reflect on your own sleep habits and reveals why oversleeping cannot erase sleep debt. You will learn why timing matters more than hours, why deep sleep is the real game-changer, and discover a tool that helps you stay consistent even when your environment is disruptive. It is time to stop chasing sleep—and start building it into your life every single day. ✨What’s Inside? Why you really can’t catch up on lost sleep. Sleeping in feels good short-term but can throw your body clock off balance. Consistency in your sleep schedule is more powerful than extra hours. It’s deep sleep, not just more sleep that restores your mind and body. Short naps beat weekend sleep-ins when it comes to real recovery. How to prevent sleep debt with consistent routines + smart tools Chapters: 0:00 – Why You Can’t Catch Up on Sleep 0:50 – Sleep Debt: What It Really Costs You 2:18 – Weekend Oversleeping Backfires 5:10 – Consistency = A Stronger Body Clock 6:00 – Smarter Sleep with the Sleep Space App 6:54 – Micro Recovery: Small Habits, Big Impact 8:13 – Consistency Wins Over Catch-Up Tune in now to finally understand how to stop chasing sleep and start feeling restored. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ep. 81 While Soda catches up on her own rest during a well-deserved vacation 🛫 we’re revisiting one of our most-loved episodes to help you actually sleep while traveling. Whether you're hopping time zones or just road-tripping a few hours away, this episode of The Doze Podcast is packed with practical tips to help you get quality rest away from home. 😴 How to adjust your sleep schedule before your trip 🧳 What to pack for a better night’s sleep 🏨 How to pick the right room and set the mood for deep rest ✈️ Ways to beat jet lag, block out noise, and stay comfy Hit play for a travel-ready sleep checklist that will have you waking up refreshed—no matter where you are in the world. Resources: Sleep Space App: Recommended to drown out background noise and to maintain deep sleep. [Free 14-Day Trial Link] Light Dims: Reusable black cling-ons to cover intrusive LED lights. Amber Night Light: Dimmable night light ideal for travel. Ember Wave Device: Wearable Wrist Band: A personal thermostat to maintain comfort. Code: THEDOZE15 Amber Blueblocker Glasses: To minimize exposure to blue light after the sun has set. Moldable Ear Plugs: Comfortable fit and seal to keep out noise for a deeper night's sleep. Magnesium Spray: Ideal for travelers, offering quick relief from muscle tension, improved sleep quality, reduced stress, and convenient portability, all while being fast-absorbing for immediate benefits. Sleep EyeMask: Best rated to block out all the light that can disrupt your sleep. Light Therapy Lamp: Use it as a natural energy booster and to set yourself to a different time zone. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Perfect for travel. It helps open airways, relieve snoring, and reduce inflammation. Apply on pressure points. Chapters: 00:00 – Out of Office: Soda’s Taking Her Own Advice 00:28 – Sleep Like a Pro on the Go: Why This Replay Matters 01:25 – Prepping for Travel: Sleep First, Then Suitcase 02:08 – Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Before You Go 02:22 – What’s in Soda’s Sleep Travel Kit? 03:07 – Hydration and Moisture: Your Secret Weapons 03:19 – In-Flight Sleep Tips & What to Wear 03:56 – Skip the Booze, Stick with Water 04:09 – Adjusting to a New Time Zone 04:18 – Grounding & Resetting Your Internal Clock 04:53 – Choosing the Right Room for Better Rest 05:20 – Room Setup by the 5 Senses 05:35 – Blocking Light and Controlling Visual Disruptions 06:35 – Minimizing Noise: Earplugs & Sound Machines 08:05 – Touch: Temperature, Textures, and Comfort 08:53 – Smell: Essential Oils and Personal Items 09:26 – Taste: Snacks & Staying Hydrated 09:52 – Turn Any Room into a Sleep Sanctuary 10:03 – Subscribe, Review, and Sleep Well Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 80 Think sleeping apart means drifting apart? Think again. If you've been silently suffering through snoring, restless nights, or emotional distance, this isn’t a sleep divorce—it’s your chance for a sleep upgrade. It might just be the most effective couples therapy you never considered. Ask yourself: Is the tension in your relationship really only about chores? It’s not just what needs to get done, it’s the fact that you’re running on empty. And when you're depleted, patience fades, presence slips, and connection becomes harder to give. 😮‍💨 If sleep struggles have been quietly driving a wedge between you and your partner, this episode is your wake-up call to look a little closer—and start making rest the foundation for reconnection. Certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski breaks down how poor sleep fuels disconnection and why prioritizing sleep may be the most intimate, restorative move you can make as a couple. 🔑 What’s Inside? Why sleep deprivation fuels disconnection, not just fatigue How to talk about sleep without hurting feelings The surprising benefits of sleeping in separate rooms Low-pressure ways to build a joint sleep strategy Tools, apps, and product tips to reduce snoring and restlessness Resources: Ep. 4 - Silence the Snore: Natural Remedies for Peaceful Nights Get all Soda’s favorite sleep tools and guides at TheDoze.co Follow along on Instagram @startwithsleep or @thedoze.co 💬 Notable Quotes 💤 “Sleeping in separate rooms is not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you value your sleep and your relationship.” ⏱️“Sleep is where your relationship either fractures or fortifies.” 💘 “Sleep is not separate from your relationship. It is your relationship. It’s the foundation of how you speak to each other, how you touch each other, and how you feel seen and supported.” Chapters 00:00 – The real reason couples grow apart 01:02 – Fighting because you’re tired, not incompatible 02:27 – Debunking the taboo of separate beds 03:21 – How sleep deprivation damages empathy and desire 04:16 – What to do if your partner snores 05:19 – Conversation starters that don’t feel like ultimatums 06:41 – Building a better sleep toolbox together 07:37 - Connection games that rebuild emotional intimacy 09:14 - Ask this one question to deepen understanding 10:00  Why sleep is the most underrated relationship strategy 10:50 Final word: Protect your relationship by prioritizing rest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 79 Think your glow-up comes from a bottle? Think again. What if the real secret to youthful skin, radiant hair, and boundless energy has been hiding in your sleep schedule all along? Certified Sleep Coach Soda Kuczkowski reveals how beauty sleep isn’t just a cliché—it’s your most potent anti-aging ritual. Before you buy another serum, press play. What's Inside? Why midnight to 2am is your "magic window" for collagen production ✨ How poor sleep contributes to dull skin, brittle hair, and mental fog Daily habits and bedtime rituals that reverse aging from the inside out The real reason your $100 night cream isn’t working (hint: it’s not the cream) A simple, free nighttime ritual that can change how you look and feel by morning Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome: The truth about sleep and aging 01:00 – Why sleep is better than skincare 02:00 – Your skin’s nightly renewal process 03:00 – Sleep + hair health = shine, strength, and growth 04:00 – Boosting energy and muscle recovery overnight 05:00 – Brain clarity and reducing oxidative stress 06:00 – Soda’s personal bedtime beauty rituals 07:00 – Why nasal breathing is a sleep (and beauty) game-changer 08:00 – Environmental hacks: light, air, and temperature 09:00 – Silk pillowcases, hydration, and next-level beauty sleep 10:00 – Final thoughts: The glow-up starts in your bed 💤 Want to reverse aging without injections or expensive routines? It starts with sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 78 If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or pushed sleep to the bottom of your to-do list, this episode is your wake-up call—in the gentlest, most loving way. We invite you to rethink sleep not as a luxury, but as a declaration of self-worth. In this episode of the Doze Podcast, Soda explores why rest is more than recovery—it's resistance. Backed by compelling research, including a 2022 study from Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Soda unpacks how self-esteem directly impacts sleep quality and why those who value themselves tend to sleep deeper and longer. This isn’t just a wellness tip—it’s a cultural shift.  You'll learn how to: ✨ Reframe rest as receiving, not quitting 🛋️ Build your own “sleep shelf” of soothing bedtime rituals 🧘🏽‍♀️ Add micro-rests into your day to recharge with intention 🛏️ Transform your sleep space into a reflection of how deeply you honor yourself Whether you’re a chronic giver or someone stuck in hustle mode, this episode offers a new lens to see rest as your birthright—not something to earn. Memorable Quotes: “The way you treat your sleep is the way you treat yourself.” “Receiving rest is not quitting; it’s claiming what is already yours.” “Your best days begin with your best nights.” “Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a reflection of your worth.” Hit play and start honoring your need for rest—not just to feel good, but because you deserve to. Chapters: 0:00 Sleep as Self-Worth 0:33 Show Intro 1:34 Reframing Rest as Receiving, Not Quitting 2:37 Building a Sleep Shelf  4:09 Embracing Micro Rests Throughout the Day 4:43 Creating a Sleep Space That Reflects Self-Worth 5:44 Closing Thoughts on Sleep and Worth Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tranquilium/night-sky License code: FIZCALGOILNJLJRS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 77 What if your self-doubt isn’t a mindset issue—but a sleep issue? You’re not overthinking because you’re weak—you’re under-rested. In this powerful episode of the Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski reveals how sleep deprivation quietly sabotages your intuition, decision-making, and self-trust, especially for women carrying the weight of emotional labor. If you’re exhausted from second-guessing every choice, it’s time to stop blaming your mindset... and start healing your brain. ✨ What's Inside? Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s mental recalibration. A sleep-deprived brain defaults to people-pleasing. REM sleep = Intuition Booster. Skipping it means you’re literally cutting yourself off from your inner wisdom. Notable Quotes: “You’re not indecisive—you’re under-rested.” “A rested woman knows what she wants.” “Sleep is a power move.” Resources: The Doze - Topical Magnesium Spray Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: What If It’s Not Mindset, But Sleep? 00:33 – Welcome to Doze: Meet Soda Kuczkowski 00:54 – Why Self-Trust Begins with Sleep 01:28 – How Sleep Deprivation Glitches Your Brain 01:55 – The REM Cycle: Your Intuition Booster 02:25 – Survival Mode vs. Self-Trust 02:53 – Why Women Are Hit Harder by Sleep Loss 03:45 – Biology Over Mindset: Sleep & Social Conditioning 04:12 – Step 1: Protect Your REM Sleep 04:38 – Step 2: Treat Sleep as Emotional Hygiene 05:28 – Step 3: Decide Your Bedtime Early 05:56 – Step 4: Track Your Clarity & Intuition 06:22 – Step 5: Rewrite the Narrative—Sleep is a Power Move 07:28 – Final Thoughts: Sleep Builds Self-Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 76 Tired of chasing sleep in a bottle? 😴 Before you spend another dime on that “miracle” sleep product, let’s break down the truth about the booming sleep product industry—and explore why your solution to better sleep likely lies in your habits, not your shopping cart. We are constantly bombarded with ads promising deeper sleep and more energized mornings. From melatonin gummies to high-tech trackers, the options are endless. But do they actually work? And more importantly—do they work for you? In this episode of the Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski exposes the disconnect between the booming market of sleep aids and what actually helps. She shares five powerful questions you should ask before buying anything, and explains why building better habits matters more than any one product. "The truth is, your quest for better sleep rarely lies within the product itself." Resources: The Doze Sleep Shop 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Sleep Product   1. What issue am I actually trying to solve?   2. Have I tried habit changes first?   3. Does this fit my lifestyle?   4. Am I willing to commit long enough to track results?   5. Is this product backed by unbiased feedback? Chapters: 00:00 – The Illusion of Instant Sleep Fixes 00:53 – Welcome to Doze: A Habit-First Approach 01:18 – Sleep Marketing vs. Sleep Reality 02:20 – Why 'Trying Everything' Doesn’t Work 03:25 – Your Habits Could Be Sabotaging Sleep 03:54 – Reframe Sleep as Essential Fuel 04:30 – 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Sleep Product 06:01 – Final Thought: Tools Help, Habits Heal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 75 If you're burning out while trying to be everything for everyone, this episode will show you the most overlooked tool for reclaiming your power: sleep. Not just more of it—but better, intentional rest that strengthens your presence, sharpens your mind, and restores your confidence. In this episode of The Doze, Soda Kuczkowski, certified sleep coach and founder of START WITH SLEEP, breaks down how sleep is the secret weapon for today’s high-achieving women. From corporate leaders to caregivers, women carry a unique mental load—and yet we’re conditioned to sacrifice rest in the name of productivity. Soda argues that sleep is not self-care—it’s strategy. Whether you’re navigating burnout, decision fatigue, or simply seeking clarity in chaos, this episode gives you permission to rest—and the tools to do it well. ✨ Notable Quotes: 🛏️ "If you want to lead with real confidence, the kind that radiates from being clear-headed and grounded, you need to sleep like you mean it." 🌙 "Sleep is not the thing that gets in the way of your goals. It’s what makes them possible." 💼 "Well-rested women lead differently. We listen better, we decide faster, we love harder, and we walk into rooms and command respect." 🔑 Key Takeaways: Rest is a leadership strategy—not a luxury. Hormonal cycles and caregiving demands make quality sleep essential for women. A healthy sleep routine enhances decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience. Sleep helps rebuild confidence from the inside out. The ripple effect of modeling healthy sleep in families and workplaces Actionable strategies to protect your rest and prioritize yourself again Because the most powerful version of you? She starts with sleep. 📚 Resources Mentioned: 🔗www.startwithsleep.com 🔗www.thedoze.co 🎧 Episode Highlight: "Bedtime Begins at Breakfast" Chapters: 0:00 Sleep as a Leadership Strategy for Women 1:58 The Impact of Sleep on Women's Mental and Physical Health 5:22 Sleep as a Superpower for Leadership and Longevity 7:20 Practical Steps to Enhance Sleep and Boost Self-Leadership 9:29 The Power of Rested Women in Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices