Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a survival tool. Yet for first responders, veterans, shift workers, and high performers, it’s usually the first thing sacrificed. 

On this episode we're joined by Dr. Leah Kaylor — a prescribing psychologist, trauma specialist, and the FBI’s go-to expert on sleep. She blends neuroscience, trauma therapy, and performance psychology to help elite professionals recover, reset, and thrive. 

We cover: 

• Why “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is one of the most dangerous myths in our culture
• How your brain literally “takes out the trash” every night during sleep
• The critical role of REM sleep in trauma processing and emotional regulation
• Sleep avoidance as an unhealthy coping mechanism — and how to break it
• The truth about alcohol, shift work, and sleep apnea in first responder populations
• Cutting-edge treatments like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares
• Practical strategies you can use tonight to improve your sleep

Dr. Kaylor is also the author of If Sleep Were a Drug — a science-backed, no-nonsense guide to unlocking the performance, health, and mental clarity you’re missing when you neglect sleep.

📕 If Sleep Were a Drug (Available now):
 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/If-Sleep-Were-Drug/dp/164687150X
• Dr. Kaylor’s Website: https://www.drleahkahler.com

▶️ Connect with Dr. Leah Kaylor:
 

• Website: https://drleahkaylor.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drleahkaylor/
• YouTube (Sleep Science & Practical Strategies): https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeahKaylor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahkaylor/

🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone in your life who needs better rest.
 

Thank you for listening!

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