36 Comments

I suppose if using a trending term like ‘sleepmaxxing’ inspires motivation to rest, recover, and get better sleep is what it takes, then who am I to judge? 😆 Looks like I’d better update my dictionary! Great post.

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You got to admit—sounds way better than “sleep hygiene”!

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Question for you — what if you have trouble with getting deep sleep? You eat well, workout during the day, have a good bedtime routine, but somehow it seems your mind keeps spinning and you feel semi-conscious all night long?

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I love Dr. Jake's take on optimizing sleep hygiene, aka sleepmaxxing. If none of those things are improving sleep, it's time to adress other factors that impair sleep maintenance like menopause, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, alcohol and caffeine intake, insomnia, and even nutrient deficiencies. I wrote a 2-part series about this recently, here's the part about fixing sleep, including when is it time to see a sleep doctor: https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/p/the-best-brain-health-boost-in-2024

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Thank you 😊

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The movie 6 triple 8 is a great true story.

The book West with Giraffes is terrific. I had both knees replaced three years ago. First week is awful, after that it’s a worthwhile upward spiral!

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Thanks Debbie!

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Love this takeover! Sleep & brain health 🤝

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Me too! Thanks Jake!!

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I really enjoy your content & loved this piece! I hope your surgery goes well. I see you post a lot about blue zones, and I was curious to see if you had any research or studies to look into about them?

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Hi Katy, thank you -- so kind of you! Yes, I wrote here about some of the most compelling studies looking at environment, epigenetics and Alzheimer's risk in places with blue zone features (like Southern Italy) https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/p/how-lifestyle-shapes-genetic-risk

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Good luck with your surgery! And love the thoughts on sleepmaxxing. Blackout curtains have helped immensely in our house to get the right amount of sleep consistently.

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Thanks so much! Yes, I am a huge fan of the "sleep cave" as Jake puts it:)

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Hope your knee surgery goes smoothly. Was that related to an injury from jumping off the waterfalls in Costa Rica? 😱 Hope not and the retreat was relaxing. 🙏🏻

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Thanks Kevin! ACL tear unrelated to waterfalls:) Actually my symptoms greatly improved while in Costa Rica but it still torn.

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Glad to hear symptoms improved, Annie. Get well soon!

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Hopefully, back to sprinting soon! wishing you an easy recovery

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Thanks Ellen!

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Joining all your fans in wishing you effective surgery and a speedy recovery!

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Thank you Nancy!!! You are so sweet.

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Wishing you an easy and speedy recovery, Annie!! I’ll be sending you healing vibes and lots of love . ❤️‍🩹

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Thanks Deb! I am accepting all healing vibes.

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Hi Annie! Wishing you an uneventful and speedy recovery! You've got this!

I always felt that laughter during the post op period is some good medicine. Consider rewatching Liar Liar with Jim Carey and Meet the Parents.

Book recommendations: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Karen Mcnamara 😘

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So true Karen! I don't think I ever saw Liar Liar. thanks for the recs.

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Praying for easy, effective surgery and quick thorough recovery🙏💛💛

Great older reads:

A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles

The Women - Kristin Hanna

Red Notice - Bill Browder

And The Crown on Netflix is a great re-watch

Fun list here of the greatest historical fiction books: https://thegreatestbooks.org/the-greatest/historical-fiction/books/page/2

You’ve got this, Annie!🥰

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What a great list. I thought I was a big historical fiction reader but I see I have lots more books to look forward to! Amore Towles' Gentleman in Moscow is my favorite--I may listen to the audio (again!). Never saw the Crown, if you can believe that!

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Speedy recovery Annie! We recently watched In the Heart of the Sea-Netflix. Old movie, about the tale of Moby Dick. And enjoying the series Reservation Dogs on Hulu about a group of kids growing up on a reservation in Oklahoma. Funny and intermittently serious.

Ina Garten’s Memoir was a good read as well. Rest and heal!

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Hi Wendy! Thanks for these great recs. I may have to renew my Hulu subscription:)

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Wishing you a speedy recovery Annie. 🙏

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Thanks so much Robin:)

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Annie, pray all goes well and you heal quickly. Do your physical therapy and you will be up and about soon. You’re at the best place if in Colorado and hopefully a view of the mountains.

Unstoppable is a great movie on Prime. Quite motivating. All the best. Regina. I always enjoy your news letter!!

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Than you Regina---I will check out Unstoppable!

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Hi Annie,

If you have Audible ( or want to read)

Daughter of Fortune

Portrait in Sepia

Both by Isabelle Allende

Actually anything by Isabelle Allende!

Hope all goes well and recovery is easy and quick.

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Great list. Yes audiobooks are a good idea. Thank you Mary!

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