Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Katie and Chrissy brave the winter weather (and the broken windshield wipers) to talk about one of the most underrated pillars of health: Sleep.

But first, Katie shares a "Random Revelation" from her holistic dentist about why snacking all day might be ruining your teeth—and your gut. Then, the ladies dive deep into the science of sleep. They discuss the scary reality of what happens when you don't get enough rest (did you know lack of sleep can mimic diabetes?), and why we need to shift our mindset from "bedtime" to "healing time."

From Scandinavian sleeping tricks to the debate over sound machines, they cover the practical, natural, and biblical ways to steward your rest.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 2-Hour Rule: Why spacing out your meals is crucial for your dental and gut microbiome.
• The Diabetes Connection: How getting only 6 hours of sleep can lead to insulin resistance.
• Habit Stacking: Practical ways to signal to your body that it's time to wind down (like taking out your contacts!).
• Sleep Sanctuary: Tips for setting the perfect temperature, lighting, and air quality in your bedroom.
• Natural Sleep Aids: Why we love Magnesium (and are cautious about Melatonin), plus a list of foods that naturally boost your sleep hormones.

Resources mentioned:

• Resource: The Secret to a Good Night's Sleep (Melatonin Info)
• Product: Earthley Wellness Good Night Lotion (Magnesium)
• Book: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3NZBKzT
• Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://amzn.to/4ccfUmE
• Book: The Biblio Diet - https://amzn.to/4r1TV6r
• Air Filter: Jasper Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship
03:13 Random Revelation: Meal Spacing Benefits
10:51 Fasting and Its Benefits
13:53 The Importance of Sleep
15:34 Personal Sleep Experiences
19:19 Sleep Schedules for Kids
24:12 The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation
31:10 Sleep Is "Healing Time"
36:25 Being Overtired
38:07 The Risks of Poor Sleep
42:04 Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep
47:03 Habit Stacking for Better Sleep
52:38 Setting the Perfect Sleep Ambiance
01:04:27 Natural Sleep Aids and Nutrition
01:10:59 Foods That Boost Melatonin Production

Remember, whether you eat or drink (or sleep!), do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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