About the Episode:

In this episode, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a sleep medicine expert, joins the Modern Mommy Doc podcast to discuss restful sleep for kids AND parents. She and Dr. Whitney explore the challenges toddlers, kids, and teenagers face in getting enough sleep and the impact it has on their mental health. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of consistency, routines, and creating a sleep-friendly environment for better sleep. She also addresses the use of melatonin and sleep aids, recommending that behavioral strategies and healthy sleep habits be prioritized before considering medication.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician and the founder of www.therestfulsleepplace.com. She is passionate about helping people discover sleep as their superpower. Dr. Brown is a clinician, speaker, consultant, and coach, and she helps busy professionals and their children prioritize sleep to thrive, achieve optimal health, and live to their fullest potential. 

As a physician in practice for almost two decades and a mom of two who struggled with sleep issues, she fully understands the impact of sleep deprivation on our mental, physical, and emotional health. As a result, she has dedicated her career to helping others optimize and achieve restful sleep.

Dr. Brown is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). She has served on several committees locally, regionally, and nationally. She is also on several advisory boards, including Baby Center, Project Sleep, and Primasun.

Dr. Brown obtained her sleep medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the faculty at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia until recently.

Episode Takeaways:

• Teenagers, kids, and parents often struggle to get enough sleep due to physiological changes, early school start times, and external pressures.

• Consistency, routines, and a sleep-friendly environment are key to improving sleep for both moms and teenagers.

• Behavioral strategies and healthy sleep habits should be prioritized before considering the use of melatonin or sleep aids.

• Dr. Brown offers resources and courses on her website, www.therestfulsleepplace.com, to help parents and teens improve their sleep.
  

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