Sleep can feel like the enemy when nightmares, racing thoughts, or old deployment habits keep you wired at night.

In this episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, a prescribing psychologist and sleep expert for the FBI, explains why so many veterans and first responders struggle to rest and what happens in the brain when we avoid sleep altogether.

This episode will help you understand how REM sleep helps process trauma, and learn why caffeine and alcohol quietly sabotage your nights. Dr. Kaylor shares simple, cost-free fixes like getting morning sunlight, adjusting caffeine timing, and creating better sleep routines to help you finally get real rest. If you've ever wondered why your body won't shut down or how to stop the cycle of sleepless nights, this conversation delivers both clarity and hope.

Timestamps

• 09:00 - Veterans avoiding sleep to escape nightmares





• 11:30 - How REM sleep acts like overnight therapy





• 17:15 - The hidden cost of caffeine and late-night pre-workouts





• 37:15 - Why alcohol is the worst "sleep aid"





• 41:30 - Building self-awareness with sleep logs

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1





• If Sleep Were A Drug Book: https://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/if-sleep-were-a-drug/





• Website: https://DrLeahKaylor.com





• Follow Leah Kaylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahkaylor/





• Follow Leah Kaylor on Twitter/X: https://www.tiktok.com/@drleahkaylor





• Follow Leah Kaylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-kaylor-ph-d-mp-rxp-a75497222/





• Follow Leah Kaylor on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LeahKaylorShorts https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeahKaylor

Transcript

View the transcript for this episode.