Ep. #10 | Gut-Brain Connection

We're back! In this episode, we discuss the recent changes not only personally but also on our collective experiences with sleep as a jumping off point towards deeper topics related to our overall health. Listen in as we touch on essential facts about sleep that were covered in previous episodes as well as open the door to future topics to come such as key differences in sleep between men and women. Contact us via email at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @sleeponitpod Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This episode features a special guest, Linda Zhang, who is currently finishing her MD/PHD at Baylor College of Medicine. Linda shares her journey of how she was diagnosed with systemic lupus at a young age and the impact this had on her daily life. Linda opens up about navigating the barriers associated with her disease process and ultimately empowering herself to pursue her dreams of becoming a clinician scientist. We also discuss the process of self-actualization and how we can dig deeper to achieve goals that are consistent with our self- fulfillment and happiness. *Linda’s instagram: @1indaz *Her adorable golden doodle, Mia’s instagram: @my.doodle.mia Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Do you or someone you know snore? In this episode, we will cover all aspects of snoring and its connection to sleep apnea. We discuss the physiology of sleep apnea - why it may occur, how to treat it, and the consequences of leaving it undetected. Lastly, what impact does sleep apnea have on your personal or social life? We will cover these topics and more through shared experiences and patient stories. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In our season one finale episode, we will discuss the incredible way our gut and brain communicate with one another and how the trillions of microbes living in our gut impact our overall health. We literally are what we eat! We will share fascinating research being done on the gut-brain connection and relay it back to key lifestyle choices we make on the daily basis. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week, we will break down common myths about the popular sleep aid, melatonin! Have you ever wondered whether those melatonin gummies or diffusers work and whether you could become addicted to them? Why is it that melatonin seems to help some but may do nothing or adversely affect others? Did you know there is actually a clinical timely approach to using melatonin properly? We will address all of these as well as share exciting new research that continues to evolve around this naturally produced hormone that governs our circadian rhythm. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ever wonder if naps are good for adults, not just for kids? This week, we break down both the sociology and physiology of napping, both the good and the bad, with our special recurring guest, Komal Keerthy! We will answer questions such as “what is the best way to approach a nap?” and “why do other countries outside the US have siestas?” Also, stay tuned for next week’s episode as we continue this discussion by diving further into myths about melatonin and other sleep aids. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode, we chat about the brain’s amazing ability to constantly change, both for the good and also for the bad. Utilizing this exciting concept of neuroplasticity and sharing our own experiences, we will discuss tips and ways to rewire our brain to help get rid of 6 common bad habits: procrastination, brain fog, hoarding, indecisiveness, mindless eating, and negative self-talk. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With special guest and pre-med student, Komal Keerthy, we discuss the phenomenon of pulling “all-nighters” and the prevalence of this amongst youngsters and young professionals. Due to the growing stressors and binging culture perpetuated by procrastination, people are often forced to pull all-nighters to keep up with high demands of life. While highlighting the importance of sleep hygiene, we also discuss ways to prevent all-nighters, and how they can negatively impact memory and mental wellbeing. Listen in as we share our own experiences with all-nighters, while taking a trip down memory lane with a fun game of “Never Have I Ever”. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this continuation of Episode #4 on back pain, we will be chatting with our friend, Dr. Sharlene Su, who was Chief Resident at Stanford University in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and currently a Pain Medicine Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis. We answer common questions on what to do when experiencing acute lower back pain and share daily lifestyle interventions.  Special thanks to Dr. Sharlene Su for being our first podcast guest - we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is purely a reflection of our points of view and not intended as a substitution to an evaluation from a health care provider. If experiencing severe, acute, or new onset back pain, please visit an emergency room or get evaluated by your doctor. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The change in our environment has caused a change in our body, especially in our lower back region, as a result of sitting for a longer period or being less mobile than we were used to. We will talk about what factors are contributing to the back pain as well as tips and techniques we can implement in our daily lives to experience less pain. Edmund Jacobson’s Relaxation Technique: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/progressive-muscle-relaxation Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is purely a reflection of our points of view and not intended as a substitution to an evaluation from a health care provider. If experiencing severe, acute, or new onset back pain, please visit an emergency room or get evaluated by your doctor. Music Credit: Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/