Keri Cooper, LCSW, is the owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in northern New Jersey. In her private practice, she counsels teens and works to give them the tools they need to navigate life. Keri takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at the whole person, not just their symptoms.

In this episode, Rick Meekins interviews sleep coach Keri Cooper about the importance of sleep for mental health and overall well-being. They discuss the impact of sleep deprivation on various aspects of life, including physical health, mental health, and productivity. Keri explains the recommended amount of sleep for different age groups and the benefits of taking short naps. She also shares tips for improving sleep quality, such as creating a conducive sleep environment and establishing a bedtime routine. Keri highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep and making it a non-negotiable part of daily life. In this conversation, Keri Cooper discusses the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. She emphasizes the need for quality sleep and provides tips for improving sleep hygiene. Keri also highlights the impact of sleep on mental health and the negative effects of sleep deprivation. She shares strategies for managing stress and anxiety, such as disconnecting from social media and practicing mindfulness. Keri encourages individuals to prioritize self-care and find activities they enjoy. She also discusses the benefits of establishing a regular sleep schedule and the potential risks of using sleep aids. Keri concludes by recommending her books on mental health and sleep.

• Sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
• Adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep, while teens need 9-10 hours.
• Taking short naps of 20 minutes or a full sleep cycle of 90 minutes can provide a reboot and improve focus and problem-solving skills.
• Creating a conducive sleep environment, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and establishing a bedtime routine can help improve sleep quality.
• Prioritizing sleep is crucial for overall well-being and should be a non-negotiable part of daily life. Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
• Disconnecting from social media and practicing mindfulness can help manage stress and anxiety.
• Prioritizing self-care and engaging in activities you enjoy is important for mental health.
• Establishing a regular sleep schedule can improve sleep quality.
• Using sleep aids should be a last resort, and the goal should be to wake up without an alarm.

• 00:00: Introduction and Background
• 01:13: The Link Between Sleep and Mental Health
• 06:16: The Benefits of Napping for Rebooting and Focus
• 08:11: Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
• 13:28: Balancing Sleep and Entrepreneurship
• 14:54: Establishing a Rhythm and Daily Routine
• 19:24: Factors Affecting Sleep Quality
• 19:52: The Importance of Quality Sleep
• 20:19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
• 22:20: Prioritizing Self-Care and Enjoyable Activities
• 24:00: Establishing a Regular Sleep Schedule
• 27:52: The Risks and Benefits of Sleep Aids