Blog
Before You Blame Your Partner, Check Your Sleep
Let me hit you with something you may not want to hear: You could have the most compatible partner on Earth…But if one or both of you are sleep-deprived, your relationship is going to suffer. I’ve seen it over and over again – high performers, elite operators, everyday couples – spinning out over stuff that […]
Read MoreThe Real Reason You Wake Up Tired (Even After 8 Hours)
You’re doing everything right – at least on paper. You’re in bed for 8 hours.You’re trying to sleep through the night.And yet… you still wake up groggy, foggy, and off. So what gives? Let me be blunt: hours in bed don’t equal quality sleep.You can spend 10 hours horizontal and still feel like hell if […]
Read MoreHow Your Brain Detoxifies Itself During Deep Sleep (and What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough)
You’ve probably heard that sleep is important for your health.But what you might not know is that when you sleep – your brain is actually cleaning itself. I’m not talking about some woo-woo idea.I mean literally, physically, cleaning itself. Here’s how it works – and why missing deep sleep is way more dangerous than you […]
Read MoreHow Long Should You Avoid Screen Time Before Bed?
You’ve probably heard the usual advice: “Turn off screens an hour or two before bed.” And yes—blue light is part of the problem. Blue wavelengths suppress melatonin production. That’s not debatable. It tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daylight, so your body doesn’t get the signal to start winding down. But here’s the thing… […]
Read MoreWhy Sleep Isn’t Just a Pillar of Health—It’s the Foundation
For years, I described health as being supported by four pillars: sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress mitigation. But over time, my thinking evolved. I no longer see sleep as just one of those pillars. Sleep is the platform the others rest on. You can exercise all you want, eat perfectly, and meditate daily—but if your […]
Read MoreSleep Is Where You Win: Dr. Kirk Parsley on the Captains & Coaches Podcast
In this episode of the Captains & Coaches Podcast, Dr. Kirk Parsley breaks down why sleep is the single most important factor in performance, recovery, and long-term health. He dives into the biochemical chaos caused by sleep deprivation—from disrupted hormones and blood sugar swings to anxiety, brain fog, and reduced emotional control. You’ll also hear […]
Read MoreHow to Lower Stress Hormones So You Can Actually Fall Asleep
You can do everything else right—eat clean, train smart, supplement intelligently—but if your stress hormones are too high when your head hits the pillow, you’re still going to struggle to sleep. Here’s why. Stress Hormones and Sleep Don’t Mix Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is incredibly useful when you need to perform under pressure. […]
Read MoreShould You Work Out After a Bad Night of Sleep? (Here’s the Truth)
Let me be really clear about this: If you’re sleep deprived, you shouldn’t be exercising. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t move your body. You absolutely should. Movement is medicine. But exercising with the intent of improving your body—getting stronger, faster, leaner, or more skilled? That’s a mistake when you’re running on empty. Here’s Why […]
Read More3 Common Sleep Myths Sabotaging Your Performance (And One Bonus Myth!)
There are countless misconceptions about sleep floating around—myths that not only confuse people but actively sabotage their health and performance. In my experience working with high performers—from Navy SEALs to busy professionals—I’ve found it’s crucial to directly address and debunk these misconceptions. Today, I’m setting the record straight on three common sleep myths that could […]
Read MoreDr. Kirk Parsley on Truth Serum Podcast with Tyler Minton: How Sleep Fuels Peak Performance
In this insightful episode of Truth Serum with Tyler Minton, Dr. Kirk Parsley dives deep into the critical role sleep plays in optimizing health and performance. As a former Navy SEAL, physician, and renowned sleep expert, Dr. Parsley shares practical, science-backed advice for anyone seeking peak performance—whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply […]
Read MoreHow Testosterone and Deep Sleep Work Together to Boost Recovery
Testosterone is one of the body’s most important hormones when it comes to recovery and performance. It helps repair muscle tissue, supports bone density, and influences energy levels, mood, and even cognitive function. For athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to maintain physical vitality, testosterone isn’t just about performance enhancement—it’s a cornerstone of health and […]
Read MoreWhy You Can’t Fall Asleep: The Secret to Building Enough Sleep Pressure
I hear it all the time: “Doc, I lay down at night, but my brain won’t shut up.” Or, “I go to bed early, but I just toss and turn for hours.” Sound familiar? If so, let me introduce you to something called sleep pressure. Sleep pressure is your body’s built-in mechanism to make you […]
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