In this episode, we focus specifically on Benjamin’s cross-cultural sleep research. We explore how Japanese students average fewer hours of sleep yet report good health, why cultural beliefs about sleep can be just as powerful as biology, and whether the “8-hour rule” should be considered universal. The conversation also touches on how cultural environment can shape health perceptions, what this means for public health messaging, and how universities can better support students from diverse backgrounds.

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Jeanine Klotzkin, LPC, LCAT, a therapist and sleep coach who has helped countless clients break free from years of emotional and sleep struggles. Together, they discuss why sleep is one of the most overlooked keys to emotional resilience, how anxiety, depression, and trauma can profoundly disrupt sleep, and why the reverse is also true. They also explore the differences between psychologically rooted insomnia and other sleep disorders, share a powerful case study of someone who found relief after years of frustration, and explain why deep sleep plays such a critical role in accelerating emotional healing. Jeanine also offers one important mindset shift to embrace when beginning therapy. Her approach blends evidence-based sleep coaching with more than three decades of therapeutic experience, bridging the gap where traditional methods often fall short.

In Episode 22 of REM Reward, host Ryan sits down with Wendy to dive into the world of children’s sleep. They explore what inspired Wendy to write specifically for young audiences, how she balances accurate science with playful storytelling, and they unpack the four stages of sleep in kid‑friendly terms. The conversation covers why sleep is especially crucial for children’s mood, learning, growth, and behavior—and sheds light on lesser-known sleep disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy in kids. Wendy also shares surprises from her research, including global sleep customs and bedtime routines, and closes with simple, practical tips for families aiming to improve bedtime habits—all anchored around the key takeaway she hopes listeners will remember.

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sarah Elizabeth, founder of Sarah Elizabeth Design, to explore how intentional bedroom design can dramatically improve sleep quality. They discuss science-backed strategies for creating a restful sanctuary, from optimal furniture layouts and color psychology to lighting solutions and material choices. Sarah shares her expert tips on avoiding common design mistakes that unknowingly disrupt sleep, selecting calming color palettes, and incorporating natural elements for relaxation. The conversation also covers practical budget-friendly upgrades, how to thoughtfully integrate technology, and which design trends truly support wellness. Whether you're looking for a full bedroom redesign or simple tweaks to enhance your sleep environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your space into a sleep-promoting retreat.

In this special episode, Ryan talks with Ashley Ring, Youth Consultant at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) and Prevent Suicide New Jersey. As a psychology student and mental health advocate, Ashley brings expertise in youth suicide prevention and neurodivergent sleep challenges. Together, they examine the critical connection between sleep deprivation and mental health crises in young people, share tailored strategies for neurodivergent individuals (including those with ADHD and autism), and discuss NJAAP's statewide initiatives to promote accessible mental health resources.

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Meeta Singh, a renowned sleep psychiatrist and performance specialist. With dual expertise in medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Singh has worked with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and Olympic teams, as well as top business executives, to optimize their sleep for peak performance. Ryan and Dr. Singh explore critical topics including sleep's impact on mental and physical performance, strategies for high-pressure environments, overcoming travel-related sleep disruptions, and the surprising connections between sleep, immunity, and injury recovery. Discover science-backed techniques to enhance your rest and performance - and don't forget to explore our website for more resources on mastering your sleep!

In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, host Ryan Shintani talks with Dr. Craig Harris Richard about the Sleep Whispers podcast and its calming effects. Dr. Richard shares the inspiration behind the podcast, his creative process in crafting whispered episodes, and how ASMR is used as a tool for relaxation. Tune in to discover how Dr. Richard is reshaping our understanding of sleep and relaxation through the power of whispers.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Shelgikar and Melissa Clark to explore the history, research, and advocacy efforts of the AASM. They discuss how sleep research is funded, the biggest challenges in advancing sleep medicine, and how policy decisions impact sleep health on a national scale. From the founding of the AASM in 1975 to cutting-edge discoveries shaping the future of sleep science, this episode dives deep into the forces driving the field forward.