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?

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  How simple techniques such as cold exposure, diaphragmatic breathing, and aromatherapy enhance vagal tone.

  
  


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  Ways to engage your five senses to calm your nervous system.

  
  


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  Why morning sunlight is critical to balancing your sleep-wake cycle.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Notable Quotes:

  
  

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  "Think about your vagus nerve as the super highway connecting your brain and your body."

  
  


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  "If it's weakened or inactive, you might find yourself stuck in fight or flight mode, making restful sleep nearly impossible."

  
  


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  "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

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