The Truth About Sleep – Expert Advice from a Triple Board-Certified Sleep Physician

In this episode of Ask Dr. Sterling, Dr. Sterling sits down with Dr. Funke Brown, a triple board-certified sleep physician, to uncover the truth about sleep and its vital role in health and well-being. With expertise in pediatrics, pulmonology, and sleep medicine, Dr. Brown breaks down how sleep impacts physical health, mental well-being, and family dynamics. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy insomnia, toddler sleep regressions, or struggling with your own bedtime routine, this episode is packed with evidence-based tips and validation for anyone searching for better sleep.

Key Moments Covered:

• The Science of Sleep: Dr. Brown explains why sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s essential for brain health, immune function, and overall growth and development.
• Impact of Sleep Deprivation: How poor sleep affects memory, mood, metabolism, and even long-term health risks like hypertension and Alzheimer’s.
• Sleep Training vs. Medical Issues: Dr. Brown clarifies the difference between behavioral sleep challenges and medical conditions like reflux or sleep apnea—and why regulation is needed in the booming sleep consultant industry.
• Practical Sleep Solutions: Tips for optimizing your sleep environment, creating routines for kids, managing pregnancy-related sleep issues, and debunking myths around melatonin.

Learn more about Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown's book, Beyond Tired, and her work at Restfulsleepmd.com.

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The Ask Dr. Sterling podcast answers the questions you’re too nervous to ask your doctor. Send your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com or DM us on Instagram @askdrsterling.

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