Hey everyone, it's Kaysunga here.

This week we have a very special guest and renowned sleep expert, Dr. Eric Prather, on the show.

He's going to break down the science behind the perfect night's sleep.

This is part of a really

comprehensive sleep program in the Head Space app called Finding Your Best Sleep.

You'll find out what's getting in the way of your sleep. You'll learn a variety of techniques to help you address those sleep problems.

And you'll be able to create and maintain a sleep plan to help you change a relationship with sleep for the better.

You can get his entire sleep course on the Headspace app right now. Space Studio. Hey everyone. It's Dr. Eric Prather here, a psychologist on the front line of the

battle against insomnia. In short, I help people sleep so they can live their best lives.

And on that note, today we're going to talk about sleep aids.

Those substances, supplements, and potions, if you will, that many of us need to finally go to sleep. Or do we? Whether it's melatonin, valerian, or

ambient, there's a lot out there. Even more opinions regarding the subject. Today I'll get

into what happens when we take sleep aids, why they may be counterintuitive to better sleep,

and if that star supplement, melatonin, really works.

And of course, you should always consult your doctor before taking anything to get to sleep.

Now with that said, let's dive in.

People tend to turn to substances because they may solve the immediate problem in front of them,

which is to get to sleep or to stay asleep.

And that makes sense.

In many ways, these medications or supplements can be really helpful, particularly for acute problems.

Maybe you are traveling and you need to sleep in the place that you're going or you need to sleep on the plane.

Or you experience this very severe stressor and it's just really messed with your sleep and you

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