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May 2, 2025 29 mins

To celebrate the 100th episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes renowned sleep specialist Dr. Bijoy Johns, a board-certified expert in sleep medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, and critical care. With decades of experience treating ICU patients and a global mission to make quality sleep a health priority, Dr. Johns brings powerful insight into the science and strategy of rest.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Johns shares his personal story of survival and purpose, and reveals why sleep is not just rest—it’s medicine for the mind, body, and spirit. From revealing the root causes of insomnia to discussing the massive physiological impacts of sleep deprivation—including its links to dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even car accidents—Dr. Johns breaks down actionable steps for better sleep, starting tonight. Whether you're an endurance athlete, a busy professional, or just tired of being tired, this episode delivers wisdom you won’t want to sleep on.

Episode Highlights

  • [2:00] – Dr. Johns’ near-death infancy, family tragedy, and lifelong calling in medicine
  • [10:00] – From four medical specialties to a singular passion for sleep
  • [20:00] – The physiological dangers of poor sleep: from heart disease to memory loss
  • [35:00] – Why type-A achievers and athletes often struggle with staying asleep
  • [48:00] – Non-medicated techniques to fall asleep and stay asleep
  • [1:05:00] – The role of sleep apnea, nighttime urination, and circadian rhythms
  • [1:15:00] – The science behind blue light, bedroom rituals, and digital detox
  • [1:25:00] – Dr. Johns’ S.L.E.E.P.N.O.W. framework for better rest and resilience

Key Takeaways

  1. Sleep Is the Foundation of Health – From cellular repair to emotional regulation, everything starts with quality rest.
  2. Insomnia Isn’t Just in the Mind – Physical conditions like sleep apnea, hormone shifts, and stress must be addressed holistically.
  3. You Can't Out-Hustle Sleep – “Sleep when you're dead” is a myth—poor sleep accelerates disease and impairs performance.
  4. Napping Is a Performance Booster – Elite athletes use naps strategically to aid recovery and peak focus.
  5. Create a Sleep Ritual – Darkness, cool temps, body scans, and device-free zones promote deeper rest and brain detoxification.

Links & Resources

If you’re ready to perform, heal, and live better—start with better sleep. S

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Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers
Instagram:
@bradaminus
Facebook: @bradaminus
X(Twitter): @bradaminus
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers
LifeChangingChallengers.com

Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here.

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