Police officer mental health and first responder spouse support start with better sleep — and FBI sleep expert Dr. Leah Kaylor is here to show you how. From nightmares to shift work, discover proven strategies to protect your health and your relationship.
In this episode, Cyndi Doyle interviews Dr. Leah Kaylor, licensed psychologist and recognized sleep expert, on the critical role sleep plays in the mental, emotional, and physical health of first responders and their families. Dr. Kaylor shares practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene, from consistency and bedroom environment to managing blue light exposure, and explains why poor sleep compounds the risks of chronic illness, emotional reactivity, and impaired decision-making. She also discusses solutions for nightmares, including imagery rehearsal therapy, and addresses challenges unique to first responder schedules—like shift work and "sleep divorce" for better rest. The conversation offers both science-based insights and actionable tips to help law enforcement couples protect their health and relationships through better sleep.
Hosted by Cyndi Doyle, founder of Code4Couples®, licensed professional counselor supervisor, retired police spouse, and author of Hold the Line, this podcast brings real talk and proven strategies for building resilient law enforcement relationships.
📚 Grab Hold the Line → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
📖 Order Dr. Leah Kaylor's The Sleep Advantage → https://www.drleahkaylor.com/cart
🎤 Book Cyndi to speak at your next event → https://code4couples.com/training/
00:00 Intro & guest welcome
02:15 How Dr. Leah became a sleep expert
04:55 The dangers of chronic poor sleep for first responders
08:05 Top sleep hygiene tip: Consistency
11:00 Setting up your bedroom for better sleep
16:00 Managing noise & light for restorative rest
24:00 The science of blue light and its impact on sleep
32:00 Nightmares & imagery rehearsal therapy
38:00 "Sleep divorce" and why it's not a bad word
46:00 About Dr. Leah's upcoming book
48:00 Closing thoughts & resources
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