Ep. 104 As The Doze Podcast closes out Season 2 and marks its 104th episode, this reflective conversation invites you to pause, take stock, and reset your relationship with rest. The episode revisits the core themes of the Sleep by the Senses series, reminding you that sleep is shaped long before your head hits the pillow through what you hear, see, touch, smell, and taste each day. Before the podcast takes a short holiday break, host Soda Kuczkowski offers six meaningful practices designed to help you stay aligned and grounded as you move into 2026. The invitation is simple: choose one. One sense to strengthen. One ritual to protect. One intentional shift that supports your sleep and steadies your rhythm through the year ahead. This episode is a guided reflection, a grounding pause, and a reminder that rest is not something to earn, but something to honor. Think of this as your sleep reset guide, one you can return to anytime you feel overstimulated, overtired, or disconnected from your body’s natural rhythm. No hacks. No pressure. Just practical tools that help your sleep work with your life, not against it. Sending you wishes for clarity, purpose and deeper trust in staying in tune with what you need as you step into the New Year. What’s Inside? Sleep is shaped throughout the entire day, not just at bedtime. What you hear, see, touch, smell, and taste all influence how easily your body can rest at night. Awareness is the first step to better sleep. Small sensory cues and daily habits quietly shape your nervous system and your ability to settle. You do not need to change everything at once. Choosing one sense, one ritual, or one intentional shift is enough to create meaningful change. Preparing your environment for rest allows your body to feel supported when it is ready to sleep, instead of working against it. Rest is not something to earn or justify. It is something to honor as part of how you care for yourself and protect your rhythm. “Sleep does not begin when you crawl into bed. It starts the moment you wake up.” “If you take the time to prepare your space, then when you are ready for sleep, it will be ready for you.” “You only need to choose one—one sense, one ritual, one intentional shift.” “The places you pause are often the places you heal.” Resources & References Sleep Tools: thedoze.co Ep. 29 - Set it & Forget it - A Guide to crafting your ideal sleep sanctuary Sleep by the Senses Series Ep. 98 - How Temperature Controls Sleep Ep. 99 - In Touch with Sleep Ep. 100 - The Scent of Sleep Ep. 101 - In Tune with Sleep - Sound Matters Ep. 102 - Your Visual Blueprint for Better Sleep Ep. 103 - The Flavor of Rest - How Taste Sets the Stage for Sleep Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Why Sleep Is the Foundation 01:19 – Sleep as a Daily Practice, Not a Nighttime Fix 01:46 – How Your Senses Shape Your Sleep Rhythm 03:27 – Why Rest Gets Disrupted During Busy Seasons 03:57 – A 2-Minute Sensory Reset for Immediate Calm 04:21 – Setting One Daily Intention That Protects Sleep 05:09 – Choosing One Sense to Strengthen Your Rest 06:36 – Creating a Non-Negotiable Rest Ritual 07:53 – A Reflection to Help You Slow Down 08:51 – Releasing Guilt and Allowing Rest 09:25 – Caring for Your Sleep, One Small Step at a Time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 103 Join host Soda Kuczkowski on The Doze Podcast for the final episode of the Sleep by the Senses series as she unpacks the surprising relationship between taste and sleep—a connection most people overlook. Explore how flavors, food timing, and cravings quietly influence your circadian rhythm, hormone balance, digestion, and the way your body prepares for rest. Soda breaks down the science behind late-night snacking, the emotional pull of cravings, and why certain tastes help you unwind while others keep your system alert. You will learn how to use taste strategically through evening flavors, intentional snacks, and calming botanicals to support your sleep instead of working against it. If you have ever wondered why you reach for “just one more bite,” woken up after a heavy late-night meal, or questioned how flavor influences your sleep drive, this episode brings the clarity and strategy you have been missing. What’s Inside? Impact of Flavors on Sleep: Each flavor—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory—sends specific biological signals that can either support or disrupt your transition into sleep. Importance of Food Timing: Eating too late can delay melatonin release, elevate core body temperature, and shift your internal clock—making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Cravings and Emotional Comfort: Evening cravings often signal emotional needs rather than hunger. Recognizing this can help manage late-night snacking and improve sleep. Using Taste Intentionally: Sleep-supportive flavors, light snacks, and calming herbs can help guide the nervous system into wind-down mode when used strategically. Notable Quotes: "Taste is not just about what you crave or what you enjoy. It is a powerful biological signal that shapes your circadian rhythm."  "When taste becomes part of your wind down ritual instead of your stress response, sleep becomes easier to access."  "Taste is far more than flavor on your plate. It's a sensory signal that tells your body how to prepare for the night ahead."  Resources: www.thedoze.co / www.startwithsleep.com Sleep-Supportive Flavors & Botanicals: Ginger, peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, bitter botanicals, and magnesium-rich foods that help calm the nervous system and support the rest-and-digest state. Bedtime Snack Guidance: Light complex carbs, protein-and-carb pairings, pumpkin seeds or almonds, warm herbal teas—options that stabilize glucose and support rest. Tart Cherry Juice (Montmorency Cherry): A natural melatonin source shown to improve sleep quality and nighttime recovery. Chapters: 0:00 How Taste Influences Sleep and Circadian Rhythms 3:01 The Impact of Evening Food Choices on Sleep Quality 5:39 Sleep and Gut Health 7:29 Using Flavor Intentionally to Enhance Sleep Quality 10:23 Reclaiming Your Sleep Rhythm Through Daily Choices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 102 In this week’s Sleep by the Senses series, we unlock the surprising visual triggers quietly sabotaging your sleep. Sight is a sense most people never consider when thinking about sleep, yet it influences your nervous system more powerfully than you realize. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski uncovers how what you see—light, color, shape, and space—directly affects how deeply you sleep. From the sliver of hallway light sneaking under your door to the clutter your brain scans the second you enter your bedroom, Soda explains how visual cues communicate safety or stress long before your head hits the pillow. You will learn how minimal nighttime light exposure can elevate heart rate, how chaotic visuals create micro-activation in the brain, and why pairing color psychology with strategic lighting can transform your bedtime routine. If you want deeper rest, steadier nights, and a bedroom your brain instantly trusts, this episode is essential. ✨ What’s Inside? Even tiny amounts of light can disrupt your ability to enter deep sleep. Clutter and chaotic visuals trigger nervous system stress. Cool tones + warm neutrals help signal calm. Visual safety—like clear pathways and calming décor—supports sleep. Pair lighting strategy with visual harmony for a full-sensory sleep upgrade. Visual harmony is not décor—it is biology 🧠 Notable Quotes “Light does not hint at your biology. It commands it.” “Color is the emotional soundtrack of your room. If the soundtrack is intense, your nervous system stays on guard.” “A clutter free bedroom is not an aesthetic. It is a sensory intervention.” “What your eyes register becomes the cue your body follows.” Resources: - The Doze Sleep Products | Shop - www.thedoze.co⁠ Sleep Eyemask Amber Light Bulb Amber Night Light Light Dims - Black/Red Amber Blueblocker Glasses Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome Back: The Senses That Shape Sleep 00:23 – Most Underrated Sleep Disruptor 00:55 – How Your Brain Reads Your Bedroom 02:05 – Light Commands Your Biology  03:31 – Patterns, Shapes & Emotional Cues 04:54 – The Problem with High-Contrast Bedrooms 05:21 – Calming Color Palettes 05:48 – Why Furniture Placement Affects Safety & Sleep 06:16 – Tools for Blocking the Wrong Light 07:03 – Smart Lighting Routines 07:59 – Decluttering for Visual Ease & Better Rest 08:28 – Soda’s Personal Sleep Setup  10:00 – Final Thoughts + Explore the Other Senses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 101 Sound shapes your sleep long before your eyes close. In this episode, sleep health educator and certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski explores the unseen ways sound guides the nervous system, influences your brainwaves, and determines how easily you settle and how deeply you rest. From the grounding pull of brown noise to the gentle balancing effect of pink noise, you will learn how different frequencies communicate with your body—and why choosing the right sound is as personal as choosing the right pillow. Soda also shares her own evolution as a sensitive sleeper, moving from years of relying on steady ambient noise to embracing intentional quiet. Her experience reinforces one of the most overlooked truths about sleep: your sensory needs change, and adapting your sound environment can make all the difference. What's Inside? The unique effects of noise colors like pink, brown, and white—and when to use each How sound interacts with the nervous system to support relaxation and reduce micro-awakenings Why your sound preferences shift with stress, hormones, environment, and age How auditory entrainment can deepen sleep by guiding your brain into restorative rhythms Tools that help personalize your sound environment, including SleepSpace’s adaptive soundscapes Notable Quotes: "Your relationship with sound does not have to be fixed. It can shift with your health, stress levels, your hormones, your environment, even your age”. "Sound teaches your brain the rhythm of sleep. Each steady tone, each soft hum tells your nervous system it's safe to drift deeper." Resources: Start with Sleep: startwithsleep.com The Doze: thedoze.co Sleep Space App (FREE 14-day trial) 00:00 – Why Sound Shapes Your Sleep 01:23 – Soda’s Story: Sensitive Sleep & Sound Preferences 02:41 – Your Brain Never Stops Listening 03:40 – White Noise vs Pink Noise vs Brown Noise 04:41 – Why Deeper Sounds Calm the Nervous System 05:11 – Low vs High Frequencies: What Your Body Reads 05:37 – Why Sudden Noise Disrupts Sleep 06:36 – Sound’s Influence on Brainwaves & Sleep Stages 07:38 – Practical Sound Cues for Better Sleep 08:34 – When Your Brain Adapts to Sound Over Time 09:08 – Sleep Space App & Adaptive Soundscapes 09:40 – The Doze Diffuser + Sound Machine 10:43 – Habituation: Why Your Sound Preferences Change 12:09 – What’s Next: Exploring Sleep & Sight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 100 Discover how scent can shift your entire night from tension to calm. In this episode of the Sleep by the Senses series on The Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski explores the powerful role of smell in shaping how easily we relax, release, and drift into deep sleep. Our sense of smell is the most direct path to the brain’s emotional center—meaning the right scent can tell your body, “It’s safe to rest now.” From lavender and bergamot to cedarwood and ylang-ylang, Soda breaks down the science behind sleep-supportive scents and how they activate your parasympathetic nervous system. You’ll learn how to build a scent routine that feels natural, grounding, and sustainable without synthetic fragrance or overwhelm. ✨ Highlights: ✅ How smell communicates calm directly to your nervous system ✅ Which essential oils improve sleep depth, relaxation, and memory ✅ The reason consistency matters more than intensity ✅ How to create a simple nighttime scent ritual you will actually use ✅ Ways to combine scent + sound for a deeper sensory wind-down Products Mentioned: All-in-1 Unit - Diffuser, Humidifier, Sound Machine + Amber Night Light Rise/Rest Natural Blend Soap Bars Lavender Eyepillow Vitruvi Essentials Oils Happy Spritz Towelettes/Sprays Resources: 🔗 START WITH SLEEP 🔗 The Doze Chapters: 00:00 – How Smell Shapes Your Mood & Sleep 00:24 – Welcome to Week 3: Scent Takes the Lead 00:57 – Why Scent Reaches the Brain Faster Than Thought 01:25 – Scent as the Brain’s Oldest Language 02:00 – The Science: How Aromas Activate Deep Rest 02:27 – Lavender: The Classic Nervous System Steadying Scent 02:53 – Bergamot: A Calming Citrus for Anxiety & Overthinking 03:03 – Ylang Ylang: Floral Sedative for Slower Breathing 03:17 – Geranium: Mood Balancer for Stress & Hormones 03:28 – Clary Sage: Quieting Mental Chatter Before Bed 03:37 – Cedarwood: Melatonin-Boosting Grounding Scent 03:52 – Roman Chamomile: Gentle Calm for Restless Nights 04:05 – How to Build a Scent Ritual (Without Overdoing It) 04:35 – Using Diffusers the Right Way (Timing Matters) 05:07 – Linen & Pillow Mists for Subtle Sleep Cues 05:40 – Balms: Applying Aroma Directly to the Skin 06:12 – Bath & Shower Rituals for Nighttime Calm 06:28 – Towelettes for Instant Nervous System Reset 06:36 – Why You Should Keep Your Scent Routine Simple 07:00 – What to Avoid: Synthetic Fragrances & Candles 07:25 – Choosing Pure Oils & Safe Carriers 07:52 – Night 1: Clear the Air & Observe Your Space 08:18 – Night 2: Anchor the Air with One Simple Scent 08:43 – Night 3: Add Scent to the Body for Conditioning 09:08 – Night 4: Refresh Linens & Merge Scent + Touch 09:37 – Night 5: Pair Scent with Sound (Multisensory Calm) 10:02 – Night 6: Create Your Personal Sleep Blend 10:28 – Night 7: Seal the Sanctuary & Integrate It All 11:00 – The Power of Sensory Memory for Rest 11:29 – Next Week: Exploring the Sense of Sound 12:02 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Sleep Tools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 99 What if the secret to better sleep isn’t what you think—but what you feel? In Part Two of the Sleep by the Senses series, sleep health educator and certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski explores how touch shapes every stage of sleep. From the texture of your pajamas to the pressure of your pillow, every surface sends messages to your nervous system—telling your brain either you are safe or stay alert. When those signals feel soothing and supportive, your body lets go. W When it feels tension, sleep slips further away. Soda breaks down how fabrics, seams, alignment, and even small pressure points influence how quickly you drift off, how deeply you sleep, and how often you wake. Then she shares her seven-night Touch Audit, a practical, step-by-step way to redesign your sleep environment—no shopping spree required. What’s Inside? ✅ Why touch is a “language” the brain responds to instantly ✅ How bedding and pajamas influence movement, relaxation, and alignment ✅ What to adjust for cooler sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples who share a bed ✅ Whether weighted blankets help and how to choose one ✅ Small fixes—like pillow height, fabric swaps, and body pillows—that make a big difference "Comfort is often a geometry problem. Once your body finds the right angles, sleep follows naturally." Design the feeling of your bed to match what your body needs—and sleep becomes simpler. Resources: 🔗thedoze.co 🔗startwithsleep.com What To Do Tonight: Touch + Pressure Power Move Checklist Night 1: Remove the single most irritating thing: tag, seam, waistband. Night 2: Test pillow height. Your neck should feel neutral.No pinch. No push. Night 3: Add an anchor: tuck the top sheet lightly or use a body pillow. Night 4: Create glide: switch pillowcase fabric or loosen tight sheets at the feet. Night 5: Align and add smart support: pillow between knees for side sleeping or under knees for back sleeping. Night 6: Split the covers if you share a bed. Notice movement and temperature changes. Night 7: Journal a simple score: settled quickly, stayed asleep, woke restored. Keep what helped and worked, drop what does not. Chapters: 0:00 The Impact of Touch on Sleep Quality 3:17 Choosing Comfortable Sleepwear and Bedding  3:55 Pillow and Mattress Adjustments 6:05 Weighted Blankets and Bed Sharing 7:08 Seven Nights to Better Sleep Through Simple Adjustments 9:31 Bedding Choices and Alignment 10:49 Enhancing Sleep Through Temperature, Touch, and Aroma  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 98 Is Your Bedroom Sabotaging Your Sleep? You might think your sleep struggles come from stress, screens, or bad habits but what if the real problem is your bedroom? In this episode, sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the science of how your bedroom’s temperature and design can either protect or sabotage your sleep. Sleep is sensory, and temperature is the first signal your body reads to decide if it is safe enough to rest. When heat builds up inside your bedding, trapped under your pillow, or radiating from your pet curled at your side, your brain never fully powers down, and deep sleep stays out of reach. Discover how cooling triggers melatonin, slows your heart rate, and restores natural sleep cycles. Learn to spot the hidden “heat traps” sabotaging your sleep and simple ways to redesign your space, so it works with your body, not against it. 💬 “Your sleep depends on cooling down...literally. To fall asleep and stay asleep, your core body temperature must drop a degree or two.” What's Inside? Sensory Cues Matter: Sleep is a full-body, sensory experience—your environment sets the tone. Cool to Sleep Deep: Lowering your core body temperature signals your brain to rest. Personalize Your Space: Your ideal sleep setup is unique to your thermal profile. Mind the Microclimate: Bedding, airflow, pets, and even shower habits impact your rest. Temperature Audit Checklist: (Find the heat traps) • Use breathable fabrics for bedding and sleepwear • Shift pets to the lower end of the bed • Declutter around the bed to improve airflow • Swap your pillow or pillowcase before your mattress • Use fans to circulate air, not blast cold directly at your face • Test multiple thermostat settings across seasons - do not rely on one static setting. • Track heat triggers for one week and adjust accordingly based on your findings Resources: www.thedoze.co www.startwithsleep.com Chapters: 0:00 Transform Your Bedroom into a Sleep Sanctuary 5:06 Master Your Microclimate for Better Rest 9:21 Stay Cool & Hydrated for Deep Sleep 10:35 Tune In to Your Body’s Temperature Cues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 97 Curious about the mouth-taping trend for snoring or sleep quality? In this episode of The Doze Podcast, learn the science behind nasal breathing and how to determine if mouth tape is safe for you — based on real airway health, not viral fads. This expert-led podcast episode explains: • Why nasal breathing matters for deep sleep • Signs of sleep apnea and when NOT to tape • How nasal breathing impacts sleep quality, oxygen levels, and energy • Safer first steps like nasal dilators, humidity control, and Breathe Balm Perfect for anyone exploring natural snoring relief or nighttime breathing support. Listen now to make informed, science-based decisions about your sleep. Resources: Dream Recovery Mouth Tape: Encourages nasal breathing and reduces snoring; made from organic bamboo silk. Mute Mouth Tape: Offers a partial opening for gentle mouth breathing if needed, comes with an FDA registration. Breathe Balm: A natural blend of coconut oil and essential oils promoting nasal breathing. Home Sleep Testing Ep. 4 - Silence the Snore Mouth Taping Safety Checklist Before you tape, ask yourself: 1️⃣ Can I breathe clearly through my nose, day and night? → If not, address congestion, allergies, or try a nasal dilator first. 2️⃣ Am I taping to avoid a bigger issue? → Rule out sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea with a proper assessment. 3️⃣ Is my sleep environment supporting healthy airflow? → Check humidity (40–60%), reduce allergens, and improve air circulation. 4️⃣ Have I tried gentle, supportive tools first? → Consider Breathe Balm or other non-restrictive nasal breathing aids. 5️⃣ Have I consulted a professional if I feel unsure? → Get guidance before using any product that affects your airway. ⚠️ Most Important ✔ Use only medical-grade mouth tape ✘ Never use household tape ✔ Stop if you feel anxious, congested, or short of breath ✔ Mouth tape is a tool, not a treatment The goal is not to silence your mouth — it is to support your airway so your body can breathe the way it was designed to: through your nose, deeply and freely. Chapters: 0:00 What is Mouth Taping? 2:48 Assessing Sleep Apnea 4:10 Risks of Using Mouth Tape 5:22 Natural Solutions for Snoring Relief 6:16 Mouth Tape Options for Nasal Breathing 7:42 Better Breathing and Sleep 9:48 Harnessing Breath for Better Sleep  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 96 When you think about getting healthy, you probably think about what to eat, how to move, and ways to manage stress — but there’s one pillar of wellness that quietly powers them all: sleep. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, host Soda Kuczkowski, Certified Sleep Coach and Sleep Health Educator, unpacks why sleep isn’t just recovery — it’s recalibration. You’ll learn how your body uses sleep to regulate hormones, absorb nutrients, and lock in the benefits of your hard work in nutrition, fitness, and stress management. 💡 Here’s what you’ll discover: Why sleep is the most overlooked part of your wellness routine The science behind how sleep amplifies your diet, workouts, and recovery. Why tracking your sleep isn’t enough — and what to do instead The truth about “catching up” on sleep (spoiler: you can't really do it!) How to protect your rest as an act of strength, not surrender 📅 Event Mentioned: Join Soda at the BNMC Food as Medicine Symposium – Saturday, October 25th Notable Quotes: "When you start with sleep, everything else works better." "Sleep makes it into almost every conversation, but usually as a complaint, not a commitment." "Sleep isn't just about recovery, it's about recalibration." "Protecting your sleep is not just about being rigid. It's about being respectful of your limits." Chapters: 0:00 Sleep's Role in Wellness 1:23 Sleep vs Other Wellness Efforts 2:15 Restoration and Wellness Culture 2:46 Biological Impact of Sleep 4:08 Sleep Debt and Productivity 4:41 Sleep's Amplifying Effect 5:15 Prioritizing Sleep in Wellness Plans 6:12 Commitment to Sleep 7:18 Upcoming Symposium Invitation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 95 What if the secret to sustainable success isn’t pushing harder, but resting smarter?  Learn how aligning with rest can elevate your leadership, sharpen your vision, and keep your business thriving without burning out. In front of a live studio audience of entrepreneurs, Soda Kuczkowsk, host of The Doze Podcast, sits down with Healing Her Within host Maryann Rivera-Dannert to flip the script on hustle culture. From the science of sleep to the spirituality of surrender, this conversation explores how true alignment starts with rest.  Together they break down the seven types of rest, the myth of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” and practical ways to restore clarity, creativity, and calm while growing your business. Key Takeaways: Redefine hustle — why rest is the new ROI for aligned entrepreneurs Discover your chronotype + set a rhythm that supports your energy flow Morning light, caffeine timing, and the science of better sleep The 7 types of rest and how to fill each intentionally  Boundaries that protect your peace, focus, and productivity Recorded Live: 🎙️ WXXI Studio A, Rochester NY ✨ Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-A-Thon — Presented by JazzCast Pros 💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode HealingHer Within Podcast with MaryAnn Rivera-Dannert  START WITH SLEEP — Programs, workshops, and resources for better rest and recovery 👉 startwithsleep.com Sleep Space App — Tracks your sleep patterns, learns your rhythms, and helps optimize your bedtime routine 👉 sleepspace.com Find Your Chronotype — Take the quiz from Dr. Michael Breus, author of The Power of When, to learn your natural sleep rhythm 👉 thepowerofwhenquiz.com 🎧 Referenced Episodes of The Doze Podcast Morning Light Guide — Learn how to regulate your circadian rhythm naturally through light exposure "Bedtime Begins at Breakfast" — Why your morning habits determine your nighttime rest "Caffeine Hacks" — How to manage caffeine intake and boost your energy without wrecking your sleep "Do You Lose if You Snooze?" — The truth about the snooze button and how to wake up feeling refreshed 0:00 – Welcome to The Doze Live from WXXI Studio A 0:35 – The New Hustle: Why Rest Is the Ultimate Self-Care 2:05 – “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”: Busting the Restless Culture Myth 3:20 – The Mental Load of Women in Leadership 5:40 – The Power of Subtraction: Making Space for Wellness 6:50 – Maryann’s Ayahuasca Journey & the Message to Rest 9:00 – The Seven Types of Rest Explained 12:20 – Discovering Your Chronotype: Bears, Wolves, Lions & Dolphins 16:00 – Setting Boundaries Around Sleep & Mental Rest 18:10 – Bedtime Begins at Breakfast: Light, Caffeine & Consistency 23:20 – The Science of Napping & Sleep Cycles 25:00 – Snooze Buttons, Sleep Disorders & Resetting Your Rhythm 26:20 – Final Thoughts: Rest as a Radical Act for Entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 94 "Sleep isn’t what you do when you’re done working—it’s what makes everything else possible". Before the live episode with Maryann Rivera-Dannert drops from the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon, host Soda Kuczkowski invites you to pause, breathe, and realign. In this reflective episode, Soda reframes sleep from being a passive recovery period to your most powerful realignment tool.  Discover how shifting from hustle to harmony transforms not just your sleep—but your results. In this episode: ✨ Shift from hustle to harmony 🧘🏽‍♀️ Treat sleep as your strategy, not your setback 🚀 Achieve more through alignment, not exhaustion Because you don’t need another productivity hack — you need realignment. And it starts tonight. 🌙 #TheDozePodcast #SleepWellLeadWell #AlignedEntrepreneur #MindsetShift #RestIsProductive Chapters: 0:00 Welcome + Introduction: Sleep as Realignment   0:25 Episode Overview: Sleep as Alignment   1:26 Rethinking Sleep: Beyond Recovery and Self-Care   1:59 Mindset Shift: From Hustle to Harmony   2:56 Sleep as a Strategy, Not a Setback   3:50 Achievement Through Alignment   4:16 Closing Thoughts on Realignment + Rest   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 93 Have you been prescribed Trazodone to help you sleep? You may be surprised to learn it was never designed as a sleeping pill—it’s actually an antidepressant being used off-label for insomnia. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski explains why Trazodone often falls short, what the American Academy of Sleep Medicine really recommends, and which evidence-based solutions can restore your natural sleep. What's Inside? Trazodone is not FDA-approved for insomnia and isn’t recommended as a first-line treatment. CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is the gold standard for lasting results. Natural supports like GABA and glycine can help regulate sleep without prescription side effects.  Seeing a sleep specialist is critical for uncovering root causes and creating a personalized plan. “If your sleep plan begins and ends with Trazodone, you’re not receiving evidence-based care.” 🎧 Recommended Episode: Ep. 2 :Your Doctor doesn't sleep well either  Ep. 9: Diagnosing Sleep Disorders at Home: Your Easy Guide 🔗 www.startwithsleep.com 🔗⁠ www.thedoze.co Chapters: 0:00 – Long-Term Trazodone Use: What You Need to Know 1:29 – Trazodone for Sleep? Better Alternatives Explained 2:25 – Why “Non-Addictive” Sleep Aids Became Popular 2:55 – The Real Risks of Trazodone for Insomnia 4:29 – Hidden Dangers of Relying on Sleep Meds 4:58 – Why a Sleep Specialist Matters for Insomnia 6:05 – Talk to Your Doctor Before Changing Meds or Adding Supplements 6:40 – Natural Sleep Aids That Work: GABA & Glycine 7:08 – Don’t Settle: Demand Better Sleep Solutions Beyond Trazodone 9:11 – Teaser: Live at The Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 92 What happens to your sleep when life suddenly shifts? Maybe it is a career change, a move, a growing family, or an evolving business. Transitions can leave you stretched thin, running late, and wondering how you will ever find your rhythm again. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski opens up about her own season of change—moving The Doze into a warehouse, closing the START WITH SLEEP resource center and storefront after ten years, and navigating her daughter’s busy schedule—all while balancing the daily demands of work and family. Through her story, you will see that disrupted sleep in times of change is not a permanent setback—it is an invitation to adapt. Sleep is not about perfection; it is about course correction. 🌙 What you’ll learn: How to protect your sleep when life shifts suddenly Why grounding rituals and personal tokens keep you centered The mindset shift that turns disrupted sleep into a temporary detour, not a permanent setback Five practical strategies to reset your rest and reclaim your resilience 💬 Notable Quotes: “Sleep health is not about perfection. It’s about course correction.” “Your sleep is not as fragile as it feels in the moment. It’s resilient.” “Transitions require flexibility, and if you don’t bend, you break.” 🎧 Tune in now to hear Soda’s candid story and take away actionable tools to protect your sleep no matter what life throws at you. 👉 Don’t miss your chance to get personalized sleep coaching with Soda during the live Q&A after The Doze podcast recording at the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon on Saturday, Sept. 27 at WXXI Studio A in Rochester, NY. Don’t miss your chance to reset your relationship with rest and success! ⁠WXXI Presents the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon | JazzCast Pros⁠⁠ Use promo code ALIGNED for On-Camera, VIP Seating Chapters: 0:00 – Sleep Hacks for Life’s Biggest Transitions 2:37 – From Retail Shop to Personalized Sleep Coaching 3:25 – Balancing Rest When Life Gets Chaotic 4:51 – Grounding Rituals That Keep You Centered 6:14 – Flexible Routines for Unpredictable Seasons 8:33 – Wind Down Smarter, Sleep Stronger 9:11 – Consistency Counts: Protecting Sleep in Disruptive Times 10:09 – Resilience Starts with Rest 10:55 – Why Great Leaders Prioritize Sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 91 Think you can hack your body into needing less sleep? Think again. The secret isn’t less sleep—it’s better sleep. Here’s the truth: you can’t cheat biology. But you can optimize the sleep you are getting. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, Sleep Health Educator and Certified Sleep Coach Soda Kuczkowski helps you reset your mindset about sleep, guiding you through a reflection and introducing a simple framework to help protect the sleep you do get.  In this conversation, Soda breaks down: ✔️ Why the cultural myth of “doing more with less sleep” is holding you back. ✔️The science of why your body cannot adapt to needing less sleep. ✔️ The S.L.E.E.P. Framework—five practical steps to optimize your hours. ✔️ Why sleep isn’t wasted time—it’s an investment in your performance, health, and creativity Resources: www.thedoze.co www.startwithsleep.com 🌟 Join Soda for a live Q&A at the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon at WXXI Studios in Rochester, NY on Saturday, Sept. 27. Don’t miss your chance to reset your relationship with rest and success! WXXI Presents the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon | JazzCast Pros Use promo code ALIGNED for On-Camera, VIP Seating Chapters: 0:00 – Optimizing Sleep for Success 1:52 – Mindset and Better Sleep Habits 2:58 – Sleep: The New Luxury for Health & Success 3:49 – Why Sleep Powers Health and Productivity 6:09 – Routines & Environment for Quality Rest 6:35 – Intentional Habits That Improve Sleep 8:00 – Transforming Sleep for Personal & Community Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 90 Do you find yourself sacrificing sleep during the week and then trying to make up for it by sleeping in on the weekends? Here’s the thing you should be asking yourself: Does that actually work? It might feel like a solution in the moment, but science tells a different story. In this episode of The Doze Podcast, host Soda Kuczkowski invites you to reflect on your own sleep habits and reveals why oversleeping cannot erase sleep debt. You will learn why timing matters more than hours, why deep sleep is the real game-changer, and discover a tool that helps you stay consistent even when your environment is disruptive. It is time to stop chasing sleep—and start building it into your life every single day. ✨What’s Inside? Why you really can’t catch up on lost sleep. Sleeping in feels good short-term but can throw your body clock off balance. Consistency in your sleep schedule is more powerful than extra hours. It’s deep sleep, not just more sleep that restores your mind and body. Short naps beat weekend sleep-ins when it comes to real recovery. How to prevent sleep debt with consistent routines + smart tools Chapters: 0:00 – Why You Can’t Catch Up on Sleep 0:50 – Sleep Debt: What It Really Costs You 2:18 – Weekend Oversleeping Backfires 5:10 – Consistency = A Stronger Body Clock 6:00 – Smarter Sleep with the Sleep Space App 6:54 – Micro Recovery: Small Habits, Big Impact 8:13 – Consistency Wins Over Catch-Up Tune in now to finally understand how to stop chasing sleep and start feeling restored. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 89 Think more sleep = more energy? Not always. In this eye-opening episode of The Doze Podcast, host and sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the surprising downsides of oversleeping. From grogginess and headaches to deeper issues like nutrient deficiencies or thyroid concerns, Soda explains why too much sleep can leave you feeling just as drained as too little. What's Inside? ✔️ The difference between fatigue vs. sleepiness—and why it matters ✔️ How to reset your body clock with consistent wake times & morning light ✔️ Why oversleeping can signal hidden health issues ✔️ Practical steps to reclaim your energy and rhythm Plus, Soda shares an exciting update about START WITH SLEEP and The Doze's expanding global online focus—bringing sleep health resources to more people than ever. Resources: "What’s New" Newsletter: startwithsleep.com The Doze.Co: Shop Sleep Tools Chapters: 0:00 The Hidden Effects of Oversleeping 2:03 Medication Changes and Nutrient Absorption Affecting Energy Levels 3:38 Understanding Oversleeping: Causes, Risks, and Solutions 6:42 Strategies to Boost Energy and Reset Your Circadian Rhythm 9:13 Online Sleep Solutions from TheDoze.Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 88 Burnout is OUT. Sleep is IN. We have entered The Sleep Era—and it’s not just about getting your 8 hours. It’s a cultural revolution that’s reshaping how we live, work, and thrive. On this episode of The Doze Podcast, host and sleep health educator Soda Kuczkowski breaks down why sleep is the ultimate resource—fueling creativity, protecting health, and powering productivity. Gone are the days of glorifying exhaustion. The future belongs to the well-rested. “The future will not be built on burnout. It will be built by those who are finally awake, alert, and unstoppable.” ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why sleep is the new currency of health, success, and innovation How to create sleep-conscious workplaces that combat fatigue Simple ways to make your home a sanctuary for real rest The role families and communities play in reshaping sleep culture How to reframe rest as strategy, not weakness  📲 Resources & Links: Follow us on any social channel: @startwithsleep | @thedoze.co Explore sleep-support tools: www.thedoze.co Try the Sleep Space App for customized soundscapes & better sleep Chapters: 0:00 Embracing the Sleep Era for Health and Creativity 3:17 Transforming Your Home Into a Rest Sanctuary 5:27 Building Sleep-Conscious Workplaces 9:29 Encouraging Device-Free Social Interactions and Public Quiet Spaces 10:30 Embracing the Sleep Era for Health and Productivity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 87 Are you trading sleep for "me-time"? Do you find yourself scrolling, snacking, or staying up way too late knowing you’ll pay for it tomorrow—but doing it anyway? In this episode of The Doze Podcast, host Soda Kuczkowski unpacks the psychology behind revenge bedtime procrastination and shows you how to turn that late-night rebellion into something more powerful: intentional rest. If you have ever told yourself, “This is the only time I get for me,” this episode will challenge that belief with compassion—and offer you a new way forward. Because what your body and mind are really asking for may surprise you. Connect with me: Join my live studio audience at the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon September 27 at WXXI Studio A in Rochester, NY Get Tickets here WXXI Presents the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-a-Thon | JazzCast Pros Use Promo Code ALIGNED for discounted VIP Access and be part of the show! Visit My Website and Social Channels: www.startwithsleep.com — Expert sleep programs + services thedoze.co — Sleep products + kits Instagram: @Startwithsleep + @TheDoze.co What's Inside? Break the Cycle of Late-Night Scrolling Discover why mindless scrolling is not really relaxing—and what to do instead. Learn how simple swaps like a book, calming scent, or tactile activity can help you reclaim your evenings without a phone in your hand. Build In Micro-Moments of Joy During the DayIf your nights feel like the only time you have for yourself, this episode will show you how to reclaim pockets of joy before the day ends—so your evenings are not left doing all the emotional heavy lifting. Let Boundaries Be Your New Form of Rebellion Protecting your energy does not have to wait until bedtime. Learn how saying “no” sooner—during your day—can stop the cycle of sacrificing sleep just to feel in control. Shift From Reaction to Intention Understand the psychology behind revenge bedtime procrastination and how to stop reacting to overwhelm and start responding with rest Chapters: 00:00 Why You Stay Up Late (Even When You’re Exhausted) 01:31 The Tug-of-War: Self-Care vs. Sleep 02:22 “Me Time” or Midnight Sabotage? 03:29 Bedtime Procrastination = Coping Mechanism 05:17 How to Break the Exhaustion–Rebellion Cycle 07:04 Stop the Scroll: Escaping the Phone Loop 08:12 Turn Rebellion into Rest + Joy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 86 What if your heartbeat held the secret to unlocking deeper, more restorative sleep and ultimately, better recovery? This week on The Doze Podcast, certified sleep coach Soda Kuczkowski reveals how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) acts as your body’s built-in recovery score, quietly signalling how well you’re truly healing each night. Join Soda as she decodes this powerful yet often overlooked metric, showing you how to listen to your nervous system’s signals and how to transform your sleep routine for resilience, energy, and stress relief. Discover practical tools like weighted blankets, nasal breathing hacks, and sound therapy that don’t just improve your sleep — they elevate your entire well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how to measure the quality of your rest beyond hours in bed, this episode is your ultimate guide to reading your body’s signals and optimizing recovery like a pro. Key Takeaways: HRV is your body’s secret language — a biofeedback metric that reveals how well your nervous system balances stress and recovery. Track trends, not just numbers — wearable tech like Oura and Whoop provide insights that guide smarter health choices over time. Optimize your sleep environment — total darkness, air quality, binaural beats, and weighted blankets can all boost HRV and restorative rest. Nasal breathing & chronotype alignment — small habits like mouth taping and aligning sleep with your natural body clock improve recovery metrics. HRV empowers decision-making — use it to know when to push hard and when to honor your body’s need to recover. Resource List: Websites: www.startwithsleep.com — Expert sleep programs + services thedoze.co — Sleep products + kits Sleep Space App | 14-Day Trial Recommended Products: Dream Recovery  Mute Mouth Tape  Magnesium Topical Spray Sleep Eyemask with Baffle Chapters: 00:00 — What Is HRV & Why It Matters for Sleep 00:32 — Heart Rate Variability Explained 02:31 — HRV: Your Body’s Recovery Report Card 03:32 — How Sleep Quality Impacts Your HRV 04:41 — Best Tools to Track Your HRV 05:42 — Sleep Hacks to Boost Your HRV 09:43 — Fresh Air = Better HRV? Optimizing Your Bedroom 11:25 — Using Your HRV Score to Master Recovery 11:45 7 Day Strategy  12:32 Conclusion  Dive into this episode to uncover how your heartbeat can become the ultimate key to unlocking better sleep, sharper recovery, and lasting wellness. Your body is talking — are you ready to listen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 85 What if the key to real healing isn’t another supplement or strategy—but simply reclaiming your right to rest? In this episode, I step back from the performance hype and share some of my personal sleep journey from the sleepless chaos of a Vegas bachelorette trip to the unexpected burnout I faced while working in sleep medicine, to the eye-opening reality of motherhood without support. Even though sleep has always been my anchor, I have learned firsthand that it is not about perfection, gadgets, or control. It is about recovery. Healing. And maintaining your rhythm through life’s changes. I also open up about common misconceptions, like how I even used melatonin before I really understood what it did to my sleep. And I dive into why obsessing over trackers and perfection might actually sabotage your ability to sleep. You will learn how the choices you make each day—from the moment you wake up to how you manage your mental load—can either support or sabotage your sleep. Whether you’re a busy parent, shift worker, or just trying to sleep better—this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: • Sleep is your natural recovery system—not just a performance tool • Melatonin regulates your rhythm; it doesn’t knock you out • Daily habits, not perfection, set the stage for true rest • Mindset matters more than gadgets when it comes to healing sleep 💬 "Sleep is not about perfection. It's about creating space for restoration." Resources Mentioned: Ep. 43 - The Truth about Melatonin www.startwithsleep.com www.thedoze.co Chapters: 0:00 – Your Right to Rest: The Ultimate Recovery Tool 1:27 – Vegas, Melatonin & Mistakes: My Sleep Wake-Up Call 3:23 – Moms Need Sleep Too: Why Maternal Rest Matters 5:07 – Juggling It All: Life as a Sleep Coach & Mom 5:45 – Beyond the Buzz: How Sleep Heals Mind & Body 6:32 – No Hacks Needed: Natural Sleep Tips That Work 8:11 – Smart Sleep Starts with Daily Habits & Tech Boundaries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices