Sleep is one of the most critical pillars of health, yet many families struggle to achieve the restful nights they need. In this episode of Brain Power, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a board-certified sleep physician specializing in pediatric and family sleep, shares practical, science-based strategies to help you transform your family’s sleep habits. From newborns to teenagers, Dr. Funke’s advice is grounded in her personal experience as a mom and her extensive professional expertise.
Dr. Funke's own journey into sleep medicine started with her family's sleep challenges, making her advice relatable and authentic. She offers parents actionable solutions and holistic approaches that truly make a difference. Her upcoming book, Beyond Tired: A Sleep Physician's Guide to Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems for Good, promises to provide even more tools for parents facing sleep difficulties.
Supporting Teenage Sleep
A key focus of the episode is understanding the unique sleep challenges teenagers face. Dr. Funke explains how disrupted circadian rhythms, academic pressures, and early school start times create real struggles for teens. It's not just about laziness or moodiness; teens need more sleep support. She offers valuable strategies for managing bedtime routines, setting boundaries, and navigating the pressures teens face in a way that prioritizes their health and well-being.
A Holistic, Family-Centered Approach
Dr. Funke's practice, The Restful Sleep Place, offers customized sleep services and diagnostic testing for families. Her holistic approach looks at sleep in the context of overall health, including brain and gut health. This integrative care aligns with the values at Glow Pediatrics, where families are supported through evaluations for ADHD and autism alongside guidance on mental and physical wellness.
Practical Sleep Solutions for All Ages
Whether you're dealing with a newborn, school-age child, or teenager, Dr. Funke provides actionable tips for every stage. For parents of newborns, she emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations, self-care, and simple routines that can make even the hardest nights more manageable. As children grow, their sleep needs and challenges evolve, and Dr. Funke provides guidance on how to adapt to those changes.
She reassures parents that they don’t have to just survive these tough phases; they can thrive. Her advice is not only rooted in science but also comes from her personal experience, making it both credible and easy to apply in real life.
The Impact of Family Dynamics on Sleep
One of the most insightful parts of the conversation is how family dynamics play into sleep health. Dr. Funke explains how one person’s sleep patterns can impact the entire household and offers strategies for creating a peaceful sleep environment. She encourages families to address sleep issues together, fostering a more restful home for everyone.
Empowering Parents with Knowledge
Through her speaking engagements, social media, and book, Dr. Funke empowers parents with the tools they need to solve their children’s sleep issues. Her mission is to shift families from a place of sleep struggle to one of rest and rejuvenation.
In summary, this episode offers parents a wealth of knowledge on how to improve sleep at every stage of their children's development. Dr. Funke’s holistic, family-centered approach is designed to help you not just understand sleep, but to transform it. With her expert advice, your family’s journey to restful nights and better health starts here.
Don’t miss this enlightening conversation! Tune in to Brain Power with Dr. Eko on your favorite podcast platform and start transforming your family's sleep habits today.
Warm regards,
Dr. Hokehe Eko.
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