Brain Spin at Bedtime

Why Life Transitions Can Rock Our Sleep (and How to Reset)

In this episode, I’m talking about a big transition in my own life: dropping my daughter off at college. It’s one of those moments that brings up so many emotions — pride, grief, joy, and a deep awareness of how quickly time moves. I’ll share what this experience stirred up for me, how transitions like these often show up in our sleep, and why it can feel so hard to rest when life feels uncertain or in flux. I’ll also talk about what it really means to let go, and how you canI use self-compassion and simple grounding practices to move through these seasons of change. If you’re in a transition yourself — whether it’s family, work, or something more personal — I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that it’s possible to care for yourself in the midst of change. Free Live Webinar If you struggle to get good sleep, I’d love to invite you to my free live webinar: From Tossing and Turning to Sleeping Through the Night: 3 Proven Pillars for Women to Get Deep, Restorative Rest. I’ll be sharing simple, practical ways to calm your mind, reset your body’s rhythms, and finally let sleep come naturally. You can register here: https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/free-webinar [https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/free-webinar] This podcast and the webinar are for educational and coaching purposes only and are not medical advice or a substitute for professional care.

Why You Can’t Just Crash Into Bed: What a $280 Uber Taught Me About Sleep

Ever felt so tired… but still couldn't fall asleep? In this episode, I share the story of my chaotic travel day—from lightning delays to a $280 Uber ride—and how, despite being completely exhausted, I lay wide-eyed at 3 a.m., unable to unwind. This wasn’t anxiety. It was adrenaline. And it taught me a huge lesson about how our brains really transition into sleep (hint: they need more than just a pillow and darkness). We’ll talk about: The "leftover adrenaline" effect and why it keeps you wired How your brain’s default mode network acts like a mental screensaver at night Why melatonin won’t show up if your brain thinks it’s still daytime Wind-down steps that actually work (yes, even after the most stressful day) Whether you've been stuck in a storm, a work crisis, or just an overwhelming to-do list—this episode will help you understand why sleep doesn't just happen and what you can do about it. Want help designing a wind-down routine that actually works? My new mini-course, Evening Reset for Restful Sleep, opens soon. It’s a one-hour workshop for women who are tired of tossing and turning and ready for evenings that truly restore. Stay tuned at the end for a sneak peek.

Brain Spin at Bedtime

Why is your brain still spinning at night—even when you’re exhausted? In this episode, we explore what’s really keeping your mind busy at bedtime. I’ll walk you through some fascinating brain science, why it’s not your fault, and how to start shifting this mental momentum so you can wind down with more ease. If your nights feel filled with racing thoughts or an endless to-do list, this is for you. And if you’d like a little extra support, I also created a free guided bedtime meditation to help you unwind. You can grab it here: free bedtime meditation [https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/sleepmeditation].

Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think

Feeling exhausted, foggy, or stuck in a cycle of cravings and indecision? You’re not alone—and sleep might be the missing piece. In this episode, I share personal stories and science-backed insights on how sleep deprivation affects your relationships, memory, impulse control, and decision-making. But here’s the good news: these struggles aren’t permanent. When you start prioritizing rest, everything shifts. If you find yourself lying in bed at night, unable to turn off your racing thoughts, you're not alone. So many of us get stuck replaying the day or worrying about tomorrow when all we want is to rest. That’s why I created a free sleep meditation designed specifically for women. It gently guides your mind away from stress and into a place of peace, ready for sleep.  You can download it now and start tonight—because you deserve deep, restful sleep. Download my free guided sleep meditation: https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/sleepmeditation [https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/sleepmeditation] You can also follow me on Instagram for tips about sleep: @dr.rachel.higginbotham

The Art of Letting Go: How Releasing Control Helps You Sleep

Do you ever find yourself lying awake at night, worrying that you won’t get enough sleep—only to realize that the more you stress about it, the harder sleep becomes? In this episode, I share a personal story about a triathlon I impulsively signed up for in medical school—with no time to train, totally unprepared, and really no idea what I was getting myself into. The night before the race, my anxiety about not sleeping took over, leading to one of the worst nights of insomnia I’ve ever had. We’ll explore how our struggle to control sleep can sometimes backfire and why letting go of that pressure can make all the difference What You’ll Learn: - Why worrying about sleep often makes it worse - How the pressure to sleep perfectly fuels insomnia - What letting go really means when it comes to rest - A simple mindset shift that can help you sleep better tonight If you find yourself lying in bed at night, unable to turn off your racing thoughts, you're not alone. So many of us get stuck replaying the day or worrying about tomorrow when all we want is to rest. That’s why I created a free sleep meditation designed specifically for women. It gently guides your mind away from stress and into a place of peace, ready for sleep.  You can download it now and start tonight—because you deserve deep, restful sleep. Download my free guided sleep meditation: https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/sleepmeditation [https://livewellsleepwell.mykajabi.com/sleepmeditation] You can also follow me on Instagram for tips about sleep: @dr.rachel.higginbotham